Driven
'drɪvn
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving been propelled or controlled by a force, or motivated by a strong emotion or desire.
'drɪvn
Past participle of drive
The train was driven by a powerful engine.
💡 Simply: It means something has been made to move or do something. Imagine a car that *driven* to the store, or a person who's *driven* to get good grades.
👶 For kids: When something is moved by something else, like a car being moved by the engine, or someone being encouraged to do something.
More Examples
She was driven by a passion for helping others.
The company's decisions were driven by profits.
How It's Used
"The car was driven by a professional chauffeur."
"Driven by market demand, the company expanded its product line."
"He was driven to succeed by his ambition."
Highly motivated; very ambitious and determined to succeed.
'drɪvn
Characterized by a strong motivation or determination
The company's success came from its driven workforce.
💡 Simply: It means you're really eager to do something, like a person who's super *driven* to win a game or get good grades.
👶 For kids: When you really, really want to do something and work hard to make it happen!
More Examples
A driven student will always study hard.
His driven nature led him to excel in his career.
How It's Used
"A driven entrepreneur is likely to succeed."
"She is a highly driven individual."
"The driven athlete trained relentlessly."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
driven by
Motivated or caused by something.
"The company's decisions were driven by market research."
a driven personality
Describes a person who is highly motivated, ambitious, and determined to succeed.
"She is a driven personality, always striving for excellence."
From Old English *drīfan (past participle of drīfan 'to drive').
The word 'driven' has been used in English since the Old English period, initially as the past participle of 'drive'. The sense of 'motivated' developed later.
Memory tip
Think of a car that has been *driven* somewhere.
Word Origin
"to drive (cattle, etc.), to impel, urge"