derive

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To get or obtain something from a particular source.

   Grammar: Takes an object; use derive something from something.

   Patterns

   • derive something from something
   • derive benefit from something
   • derive pleasure from something

   The charity derives most of its funds from donations.

   She derives comfort from routine.

   We derive meaning from context clues.

2. 2verbtransitivemathematics

   To work out a result, conclusion, or formula from evidence or principles.

   Grammar: Takes an object; common in study, logic, mathematics, and science.

   Patterns

   • derive a conclusion
   • derive an equation
   • derive results from data

   Students derive the formula from two earlier laws.

   The analyst derived a trend from sales data.

   Can we derive a date from these entries?

3. 3verbintransitive

   To come from or have something as an origin.

   Grammar: No object; use derive from, often in the passive be derived from.

   Patterns

   • derive from something
   • be derived from something
   • word derives from Latin

   The word piano derives from Italian.

   Many customs derive from local farming life.

   The surname is derived from a place-name.

Word forms

Common combinations

derive from

The policy derives from a 1998 rule.

derive benefit

Readers can derive benefit from checking sources.

derive pleasure

He derives pleasure from fixing old radios.

derive meaning

Listeners derive meaning from tone as well as words.

derive results

The team derived results from the survey.

Synonyms and how they differ

obtain

Simply get something; derive highlights a source or process.

extract

Pull something out of a source, often by effort or processing.

deduce

Reach a conclusion by reasoning, close to the logical sense.

originate

Focuses on beginning, used intransitively rather than with an object.

Word family

derivation noun

The origin of a word or the process of obtaining something.

derivative noun

Something derived from a source; also a financial contract based on an asset.

derivative adjective

Copied or developed from something else, sometimes unoriginal.

derived adjective

Coming from a stated source or origin.

Commonly confused: derive or deprive?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “derive”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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