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Synonyms

derive

American  
[dih-rahyv] / dɪˈraɪv /

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 British  
/ 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

"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

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While UnitedHealth doesn’t break out revenue for individual Medicare product lines, it discloses the portion of total revenue derived from premiums paid by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

From Barron's

Financial-data providers might seem like an unlikely target for AI-driven disruption, since many of the biggest ones derive their value from proprietary access to data and information feeds used by bankers and traders.

From The Wall Street Journal

"And yet it preserves a highly derived cranium with unexpected anatomical innovations."

From Science Daily

This included the Canada Media Fund, a resource derived from government and industry contributions that national broadcasters can allocate at their discretion.

From Los Angeles Times

Some investors say Warsh, likewise, will rely on insights and intelligence derived about the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal