Derivation
/ˌdɛrɪˈveɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe process of obtaining something from a source; the formation of a word from a root.
/ˌdɛrɪˈveɪʃən/
The act of obtaining something from a source or origin.
The team is working on the derivation of a new mathematical formula.
💡 Simply: Think of how you might get a recipe from a cookbook or a family story from your grandma. Derivation is how something is created or formed from something else. Like, what is the *derivation* of that new idea?
👶 For kids: It's like when you get something new from something old. Like a baby is a *derivation* of their parents!
More Examples
The derivation of the word 'happy' can be traced back to Old Norse.
The scientist meticulously documented each step in the derivation of the results.
How It's Used
"The derivation of a new chemical compound often involves careful experimentation and analysis."
"The derivation of a word involves identifying its root and how it has evolved."
Something that is derived or obtained; a conclusion reached by logical or mathematical processes.
/ˌdɛrɪˈveɪʃən/
Something that is derived; a conclusion reached by reasoning.
The economist presented his derivation of the projected economic growth.
💡 Simply: A conclusion or finding you get from some process or logic. Imagine solving a tricky puzzle, the *derivation* is the final solution you worked out.
👶 For kids: It’s the answer or result you get after you figure something out. Like the *derivation* from your puzzle.
More Examples
The lawyer presented a detailed derivation of his client's innocence.
The derivation of the theorem required several steps.
How It's Used
"The derivation of the solution to the equation was complex."
"The derivation of this argument from the initial premises is valid."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Middle French derivation or from Latin derivatio, from derivare ('to draw off, derive'), from de- ('from') + rivus ('stream').
Historically, the term has been used in philosophical and scientific contexts to describe the origin of concepts or the development of theories.
Memory tip
Think of a river (rivus) and how it gets its water (the source).
Word Origin
"to draw off, derive"