Meaning & use
derivative
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Meanings
nouncountablemathematics
In mathematics, the rate at which a function's output changes with respect to its input; the slope of the tangent line.
Grammar: Countable: a derivative, the derivative of a function.
Patterns
- the derivative of something
- find the derivative
- take the derivative
The derivative of x squared is 2x.
We learned how to calculate the derivative of a polynomial.
The derivative gives the instantaneous rate of change.
adjectivecomparabledisapproving
Imitative of another's work; lacking originality.
Grammar: Can be comparative: more derivative, most derivative.
Patterns
- derivative of something
- highly derivative
- derivative work
The film was criticized as derivative of earlier science fiction movies.
His paintings are technically skilled but derivative.
The design is derivative of a famous chair.
nouncountable
Something that is based on or developed from something else.
Grammar: Countable: a derivative, derivatives of a product.
Patterns
- derivative of something
- a derivative product
The word 'happiness' is a derivative of 'happy'.
These chemicals are derivatives of petroleum.
The company sells financial derivatives.
Word forms
| plural | derivatives |
|---|
Common combinations
- derivative of a function
- The derivative of a function measures its rate of change.
- financial derivatives
- Financial derivatives can be risky investments.
- highly derivative
- The novel was highly derivative and lacked originality.
- derivative work
- The artist created a derivative work based on a famous photograph.
Synonyms and how they differ
- unoriginal
- Used for the adjective sense; describes something not new or fresh.
- imitative
- Focuses on copying others; often used in formal contexts.
- byproduct
- A secondary result; not exactly the same as a derivative, which is directly based on something.
Opposites
Word family
- derive verb
- To obtain or come from a source.
- derivation noun
- The process of obtaining something from a source.
- derivational adjective
- Relating to derivation.
Commonly confused: derivative or derisive?
derivative vs derisive
Derisive means expressing ridicule or mockery; derivative means imitative or a mathematical rate of change.
Practice
In calculus, what is the derivative of a function?
Choose one answer.
The derivative measures how the function's output changes as the input changes. The area under the curve is the integral, not the derivative. The other options are not definitions of the derivative.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “derivative”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.