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

Related Words

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