derive

[ dih-rahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, de·rived, de·riv·ing.

1. to receive or obtain from a source or origin (usually followed by from ).

   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)

, de·rived, de·riv·ing.

1. to come from a source or origin; originate (often followed by from ).

derive

/ 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

Derived Forms

• deˈrivable, adjective
• deˈriver, noun

Other Words From

• de·riv·a·ble adjective
• de·riv·er noun
• non·de·riv·a·ble adjective
• pre·de·rive verb (used with object) prederived prederiving
• un·de·riv·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derive¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of derive¹

C14: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin dērīvāre to draw off, from de- + rīvus a stream

Example Sentences

At age 76, four decades removed from his formative turn as Sam Malone in “Cheers,” Danson was intrigued by what “A Man on the Inside” attempts to unpack: that older people still have plenty more to contribute to the world and derive a better quality of life through such a sense of belonging.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, I think we can derive special insight from what I have labeled the Black American liberal tradition because it captures a little-known collection of essential American thinkers who had a lot to say about their unique position at the bottom of the hierarchy in a racially stratified society.

From Salon

Some of these derive from the Heritage Foundation’s notorious Project 2025, a road map to a reactionary future that is sure to animate many Trump administration policies.

From Los Angeles Times

We would send the camera telemetry to it, derive the image, send it back and chroma-key it into the show.

From Slate

That group of paintings was made during his time in Hollywood, but they derive from photographs of complex mathematical models by physicist Henri Poincaré that the artist shot in Paris.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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