driven

[ driv-uhn ]

verb

1. past participle of drive.

adjective

1. being under compulsion, as to succeed or excel:

   a driven young man who was fiercely competitive.

2. controlled or propelled by something specified (used in combination):

   a market-driven approach to retaining talent; data-driven business strategies; a water pump that is solar driven.

driven

/ ˈdrɪvən /

verb

1. See drive
   the past participle of drive

Other Words From

• driven·ness noun
• un·driven adjective
• well-driven adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of driven¹

First recorded in 1300–50, for the adjective for an earlier sense

Idioms and Phrases

see pure as the driven snow .

Example Sentences

Imagine what other diverse and driven teams can do with the influx of cash and inspiration that comes with a big exit.

From TechCrunch

Eating disorders, on the other hand, are driven largely by biological processes that occur on the inside.

From The Daily Beast

Traditionally, popular history is almost purely driven by narrative.

From The Daily Beast

Within a few years, Iran had jailed or driven from the country more than 60 Sunni clerics.

From The Daily Beast

The execution of two police officers in cold blood has shocked the city and driven a deeper wedge between the cops and the mayor.

From The Daily Beast

He said the brokers promise that the Italian navy will pick them up, which he says has actually driven the prices down.

From The Daily Beast

Hence Napoleon was driven more and more to trust to the advice of the rash, unstable King of Naples.

From Project Gutenberg

Were they to be driven out,—driven out this very day, when the Virgin had only just now seemed to promise her help and protection?

From Project Gutenberg

Punch went out and wept bitterly with Judy, into whose fair head he had driven some ideas of the meaning of separation.

From Project Gutenberg

The challenge was accepted and the hay-wagon driven round and the trial commenced.

From Project Gutenberg

You would think the poor teacher would be driven crazy, but he seems as calm as a daisy in a June breeze.

From Project Gutenberg