derive
[ dih-rahyv ]
/ dɪˈraɪv /
Save This Word!
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).
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!
Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between it’s and its in this crafty quiz!
Question 1 of 12
On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
Origin of derive
1350–1400; Middle English diriven,deriven to flow, draw from, spring <Anglo-French, Old French deriver<Latin dērīvāre to lead off, equivalent to dē-de- + rīv(us) a stream + -āre infinitive suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM derive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for derive
What Is “GOP” Short For?
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
“Vaccinate” vs. “Inoculate” vs. “Immunize”: What Are The Differences?
What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”?
Where Does The Name “Saturday” Come From?
“Effectiveness” vs. “Efficacy” vs. “Efficiency”: When To Use Each Word For The Best Results
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, nounWord 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
Medical definitions for derive
derive
[ dĭ-rīv′ ]
v.
To obtain or receive from a source.
To produce or obtain a chemical compound from another substance by chemical reaction.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.