derive

[dih-rahyv]

verb (used with object)

derived, deriving 

1. to receive or obtain from a source or origin (usually followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms: net, reap, gather, glean, attain, gain

2. to trace from a source or origin.

   English words derived from German.

3. to reach or obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer.

4. Chemistry.,  to produce or obtain (a substance) from another.

5. Grammar.,  to create (a new linguistic form) by adding affixes to or changing the shape of a root or base.

   The word “runner” is derived from “run.”

verb (used without object)

derived, deriving 

1. to come from a source or origin; originate (often followed byfrom ).

derive

/ dɪˈraɪv /

verb

1. (usually foll by from) to draw or be drawn (from) in source or origin; trace or be traced

2. (tr) to obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer

3. (tr) to trace the source or development of

4. (usually foll by from) to produce or be produced (from) by a chemical reaction

5. maths to obtain (a function) by differentiation

Other Word Forms

• derivable adjective
• deriver noun
• nonderivable adjective
• prederive verb (used with object)
• underivable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diriven, deriven “to flow, draw from, spring,” from Anglo-French, Old French deriver, from Latin dērīvāre “to lead off,” equivalent to dē- de- + rīv(us) “a stream” + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of derive¹

C14: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin dērīvāre to draw off, from _de- + rīvus a stream

Example Sentences

Humor is derived from individual perception, and it’s hard to see much of the world stuck in the blinding blue light of a digital silo.

From Salon

His conviction derived from his experience writing jokes and testing them in front of an audience.

From Los Angeles Times

The most recent lawsuit filed against Musk by Tesla shareholders specifically concerns the robotaxis in Austin, which rely on technology derived from Autopilot.

From Los Angeles Times

She said funds deposited with Aston Martin originally came from a Coinbase cryptocurrency account, which had held multiple cryptocurrencies purchased with funds derived from the Tate brothers' business activities.

From BBC

At least a plurality of the recent high-budget, big-box office movies coming out of Hollywood involve action heroes derived from comic books.

From Salon

Related Words

• acquire 
• assume 
• collect 
• determine 
• develop 
• evolve 
• extract 
• glean 
• infer 
• obtain 
• receive