What is driven? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "driven" in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, primarily relating to force, motivation, and sometimes, a bit of a struggle. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Force/Movement):

• Meaning: This is the most common usage. It describes something that’s being pushed or forced forward with considerable power.
• Examples:
  • "The driven rain lashed against the windows." (Rain forced by the wind)
  • "A driven car sped down the highway." (A car moving quickly and forcefully)
  • "The bulldozer was a driven machine, clearing the land.” (The force of the bulldozer)
  • "The driven snow piled up against the house." (Snow forced by the wind)

2. As an Adjective (Describing Motivation/Determination):

• Meaning: This is a much more frequent and important use. “Driven” describes someone who is intensely motivated, energetic, and focused on a particular goal. It often implies a strong will and persistence.
• Examples:
  • "She was a driven salesperson, always aiming for the top." (Motivated and dedicated)
  • "He's a driven scientist, determined to find a cure for the disease." (Passionate and persistent)
  • “A driven athlete pushed themselves to the limit.” (Motivated to achieve peak performance)
  • "He's a driven individual, always striving for success." (A person with a strong ambition)

3. As a Past Participle (Used with "be" verbs – is, was, are, were):

• Meaning: This indicates that someone has been compelled or forced to do something. It often suggests a difficult or unwilling compulsion.
• Examples:
  • "He was driven to leave his home after the conflict." (Forced to leave)
  • "She was driven to tears by his words." (Emotionally compelled)
  • "The workers were driven to work long hours." (Compelled, potentially under pressure)

4. As a Verb (Less Common - Meaning: To force someone or something):

• Meaning: This means to compel someone to do something, often against their will. It's not a super common verb usage.
• Examples:
  • "The police drove him to confess." (Forced him to confess)
  • "They were driven to the hospital." (Transported, often against their wishes)

Key Differences to Note:

• “Motivated” vs. “Driven”: While related, "motivated" simply means having a reason to do something. "Driven" suggests a deeper, more powerful, and potentially relentless force behind that motivation.
• “Forced” vs. “Driven”: “Forced” simply means compelled by external pressure. “Driven” has a stronger connotation of internal determination.

Tips for Using "Driven" Effectively:

• Consider the context: Think about whether you’re describing physical force or personal motivation.
• Use strong verbs: When describing motivation, pair "driven" with verbs like “strive,” “pursue,” “achieve,” “dedicate,” “commit.”
• Show, don't just tell: Instead of saying "He was a driven person," you could say "He spent every waking hour researching the problem, refusing to give up until he found a solution."

Resources for More Examples:

• Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/driven
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/driven

Would you like me to:

• Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., business, sports, relationships)?
• Help you practice using “driven” in a sentence?