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.”

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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

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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

Explanation

If you want to talk about something that comes from something else, but you want to sound sophisticated and maybe financial or scientific, use derive, like so: That scent? It's derived from a solution of roses boiled with toothpicks. The word derive derives from (see how we did that?) the Latin rivus or stream, as in water. That image of the stream may help you remember the meaning of derive; you may picture tracing tiny streams back to their main source. Derive is a verb, as you can see, but it's often in the news in the noun form derivative: something that is derived from something else, as in "juice is a derivative of an orange."

Example Sentences

Palantir sells software to centralize, manage and analyze large amounts of data, helping government agencies and private companies derive insights from disparate databases.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

The best coming-of-age stories derive their power from being endings as much as beginnings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

It seems clear that both sides are trying to derive maximum leverage ahead of the next round of talks.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

When investors want to express a view on the trajectory of the world’s financial markets, they often use the S&P 500 because its constituents derive so much revenue from international operations.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

You start with a set of axioms, and derive a series of conclusions by a watertight chain of deductions.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Related Words

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