driven
DRIV-uhn
/ˈdrɪv.ən/
Relentlessly motivated by a need to achieve goals or satisfy an internal compulsion.
Implies an intense, almost irresistible internal pressure or psychological momentum.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Proto-Germanic livestock driving, where animals were forcibly pushed forward by a herdsman. Over centuries, the metaphor shifted from cattle being pushed from behind to an individual being propelled by an inner psychological engine.
Word relationships
- compelled: 'Compelled' suggests an external force pushing someone, whereas 'driven' implies an internal motor.
- motivated: 'Motivated' is general; 'driven' implies relentless, intense commitment.
- complacent: Self-satisfied and lacking drive for improvement.
- aimless: Lacking direction or inner purpose.
Commonly confused with
- obsessive: Obsessive has unhealthy connotations; driven implies focus toward constructive goals.
Word family
- drive (noun): Internal motivation and energy to achieve goals.
Collocations
- driven by success
- a driven individual
- results-driven approach
Idioms & expressions
- driven to succeed
Example sentences
- "She is a remarkably driven executive who rarely takes a day off." Corporate leadership
- "Driven by a burning desire to win the gold medal, he trained twice a day." Athletic performance
Memory hook
Think of a car DRIVEN by a turbo engine that never stops moving. Driven = pushed by an inner engine.
When not to use
Avoid when describing someone who is merely working calmly or casually towards a relaxed task.
Fun facts
- The word 'driven' was first applied to personality traits in 19th-century psychology literature.
Related words
Explore more words
compulsive, relentless, compelling, ruthless, compel, impulsive
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.