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

The gain derived from Paxton’s 2004 investment in a police video technology company, later named WatchGuard, that he had shifted into the blind trust.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And yet, today there are only 700 billionaires in the U.S., and basically none of them derived their wealth from old money.

Read more on Barron's

Despite years of trying to diversify its earnings, the kingdom still derived 53% of revenue from the oil sector in the first half of this year, according to the Saudi Finance Ministry.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Colors derived from plants, vegetables or other natural products behave differently than artificial ones, and are more sensitive to factors like light and temperature.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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