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

For FinalSpark, the process begins with stem cells derived from human skin cells, which they buy from a clinic in Japan.

From BBC

A spokesperson for ANL has previously said it had "denied under oath that its journalists had commissioned or obtained information derived from phone hacking, phone tapping, bugging, computer or email hacking or burglary to order".

From BBC

She uses marine collagen, the type derived from fish, in a tropical-flavoured gel she drinks every day.

From BBC

This one, too, derives from a book — “Shy” by Max Porter.

From Los Angeles Times

Kratom is a substance derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia that is sold in the U.S. in powder, capsule and extract form.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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