derive

verb

de·rive di-ˈrīv

dē-

derived; deriving

Synonyms of derive next

transitive verb

: to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source

is said to derive its name from a Native American word meaning "wild onion"

chemistry : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance

Petroleum is derived from coal tar.

: infer, deduce

what was derived from their observations

archaic : bring

… inconvenience that will be derived to them from stopping all imports …—

Thomas Jefferson

: to trace the derivation of

We can derive the word "chauffeur" from French.

intransitive verb

: to have or take origin : come as a derivative

The novel's appeal derives entirely from the complexity of its characters.

deriver noun

Choose the Right Synonym for derive

spring, arise, rise, originate, derive, flow, issue, emanate, proceed, stem mean to come up or out of something into existence.

spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen

slowly rose to prominence

originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Examples of derive in a Sentence

The river derives its name from a Native American tribe. Much of the book's appeal derives from the personality of its central character.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The original data was derived from the Terra Property Trust Inc. 6.00% Notes due 2026 quarterly 10-Q report dated November 8, 2024. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 The report noted that Google’s content investment is derived from YouTube and investment in programming via their revenue-sharing arrangements with content creators. —

Brad Adgate, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Cannabis refers to all products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Currently, few of these types of drugs — called chelators, derived from the Greek word for claw — are approved by the FDA. —

Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derive

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French deriver, from Latin derivare, literally, to draw off (water), from de- + rivus stream — more at run

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of derive was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derive. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

derive

verb

de·rive di-ˈrīv

derived; deriving

: to receive or obtain from a source

: to arrive at by reasoning and observation : infer, deduce

: to trace the origin, descent, or derivation of

: to come from a certain source or basis

the tradition derives from ancient practices

derivable

-ˈrī-və-bəl

adjective

Medical Definition

derive

verb

de·rive di-ˈrīv

derived; deriving

transitive verb

: to take, receive, or obtain, especially from a specified source

specifically : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance

intransitive verb

: to have or take origin

derivation

ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən

noun

Last Updated: 17 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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derive

verb

Synonyms

Examples of derive in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near derive

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition