derive

as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information from the summit, he was able to derive his location from the position of several prominent landmarks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb derive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of derive are arise, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of derive?

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

When might emanate be a better fit than derive?

In some situations, the words emanate and derive are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of derive?

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

words flowed easily from her pen

When can issue be used instead of derive?

While in some cases nearly identical to derive, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for derive?

While the synonyms originate and derive are close in meaning, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to derive?

The synonyms proceed and derive are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is it sensible to use spring instead of derive?

The words spring and derive can be used in similar contexts, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace derive?

Although the words stem and derive have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of derive Latex Latex mattresses are derived synthetically or naturally and create a buoyant, cooling experience that boosts mattress responsiveness. Macy Alcido, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 Aire Ancient Baths Address: 88 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013 About: Aire Ancient Baths may derive its name from the various pools that dot the property’s downstairs. James Manso, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 In place of retinol, True Botanicals' Phyto-Retinol Body Lotion utilizes intensive peptides derived from cranberry extract called peptilium that firm and tighten skin. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024 Meggy: Originally derived from the word megh, which means pearl, this medieval name also works as a nickname for Margaret or Megan. Anna Moeslein, Parents, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derive
Verb
  • Looking ahead to the future of integrating art and commerce, Cao Hailun emphasized the importance of understanding art and culture.
    WWD, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The arrangement is understood to be part of a longer-term commitment that the anchor and CBS News have made to one another.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In its final vote Friday, the board decided in an 8-7 vote to approve the curriculum.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • So many artists over the years have vied to channel their interpretation of Pac’s legacy in back-against-the-wall beef moments, but Kendrick decided to embody him by just being a hell of a rapper.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Like tree rings, they can be used to infer developmental speeds and timing.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
  • For more than a decade, astronomers have been searching that area for a hidden planet that has never been observed, but its presence is inferred by the behavior of other nearby objects.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In September, the District Court of Nuremberg-Fürth dismissed Adidas’ case, ruling that the claims of trademark infringement and unfair competition were unfounded, and concluding that the differences between the two logos were significant enough to prevent consumer confusion.
    Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The Justice Department in June concluded a 3-year investigation into the Phoenix Police Department.
    Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • New Eden is not the only thing that will fall if Nima’s forces take Big Alice, but the world itself will fall — remember, Melanie deduced that the Gemini compound will literally burn the atmosphere and deplete all oxygen from the planet.
    Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2024
  • Rio immediately identifies this to be Agatha’s trial, deducing that her worst nightmare — apart from having to embody this preppy ’80s aesthetic — would be facing up to any of the many deaths she’s caused over the centuries.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near derive

Cite this Entry

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

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