derive

[ dih-rahyv ]

/ dɪˈraɪv /

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See synonyms for: derive / derived / deriving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), de·rived, de·riv·ing.

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

to trace from a source or origin: English words derived from German.

to reach or obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer.

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

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), de·rived, de·riv·ing.

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

OTHER WORDS FOR derive

1 gain, attain, glean, gather, reap, net.

See synonyms for derive on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of derive

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

OTHER WORDS FROM derive

de·riv·a·ble, adjectivede·riv·er, nounnon·de·riv·a·ble, adjectivepre·de·rive, verb (used with object), pre·de·rived, pre·de·riv·ing.

un·de·riv·a·ble, adjective

Words nearby derive

derisive, derisory, deriv., derivation, derivative, derive, derived, derived curve, derived fossil, derived unit, Derleth

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use derive in a sentence

Others call it “Egypt” or “Little Egypt,” a nickname derived, some say, like the nearby town of Cairo, from the fertile bottomlands that once resembled its namesake.
A day’s drive from Chicago, exploring a very different Illinois|Carson Vaughan|February 12, 2021|Washington Post
Prete’s 3-D-printed monolith of looping tendrils is both airy and imposing, with a metallic sheen derived from infused aluminum powder.
In the galleries: Rejuvenating the obsolete into unconventional art|Mark Jenkins|February 12, 2021|Washington Post
Yet, agencies, in particular, are continuing to have difficulties deriving the search intelligence they need and finding ways to unlock the potential of the insights that they already have on hand.
Solving the agency search intelligence gap|Ian O’Rourke and Stephen Davis|February 9, 2021|Search Engine Watch
Learning from mistakesD’Souza believes that these different reactions derive from the complexity of an infant’s learning environment.
Learning a second language early might have ripple effects throughout your life|Rahul Rao|February 9, 2021|Popular-Science

Seventy companies are now moving quickly to bring to market beef and other meat, poultry and seafood products derived from muscle tissue grown in a lab with cells harvested from a living animal.
Raising the steaks: First 3-D-printed rib-eye is unveiled|Laura Reiley|February 9, 2021|Washington Post
What conflicts do exist between them derive from misunderstanding and accident.
The 2014 Novel of the Year|Nathaniel Rich|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Miles beneath the surface, in the absence of sunlight, animals derive energy from volcanic vents.
‘Mission Blue’ Warning: The Ocean Is Not Too Big to Fail|Sylvia A. Earle|August 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
None of these scenes derive their power from the characters or the Hitchcock-Hunter plot.
Why the Original ‘Birds’ is Superior to Hitchcock’s Version|Malcolm Jones|November 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
New high-value customers are what companies can derive from this.
Mobile Telephone Startup Solavei Avoids Ads, Relies on Customers for Sales Leads|Miranda Green|October 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
From that, he notes, we derive everything essential in American free-speech rights.
Free Speech: A Cloistered Value?|Hussein Ibish|September 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Ethel's mind was in too irritated and tumultuous a state for her to derive her usual solace from Cube Root.
The Daisy Chain|Charlotte Yonge
This morning's study of Brazilian history in the original language is one great advantage I derive from my removal into town.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
England was to have thirty members more than had originally been contemplated, but Ireland was not to derive any such advantage.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
Believing he was still sleeping, she hoped he would derive much benefit from this restful slumber.
The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence|Eugne Sue
From which of any number of dozen little families in Cunningham we should derive, God knows!
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson

British Dictionary definitions for derive

derive

/ (dɪˈraɪv) /

verb

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

(tr) to obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer

(tr) to trace the source or development of

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

maths to obtain (a function) by differentiation

Derived forms of derive

derivable, adjectivederiver, noun

Word Origin for derive

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

derive

OTHER WORDS FOR derive

Origin of derive

OTHER WORDS FROM derive

Words nearby derive

Words related to derive

How to use derive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for derive

Derived forms of derive

Word Origin for derive