Derive

/dɪˈraɪv/

verbIntermediate📊CommonAction
2 meanings4 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To obtain or receive something from a source; to come from.

/dɪˈraɪv/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To obtain something from a source.

She derived great pleasure from painting.

💡 Simply: Think of it like getting a recipe for a yummy cake. You *derive* the ingredients list (and how to make it!) from the cookbook.

👶 For kids: To get something from something else. Like getting juice from a fruit!

More Examples

2

The word 'derive' comes from the Latin word 'dērivāre'.

3

They derived their information from several sources.

4

The company derives its income from sales and advertising.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientists derive new data from experiments."

Business

"The company derives its profits from online sales."

2

To reach a conclusion by reasoning; to infer.

/dɪˈraɪv/

verbneutralAdvanced
Action

To arrive at a conclusion by reasoning.

From the evidence presented, the jury derived a guilty verdict.

💡 Simply: Imagine being a detective! You *derive* the answer to the mystery by using all the clues you have.

👶 For kids: To figure something out using your brain! Like solving a puzzle.

More Examples

2

We can derive the speed of the object from its acceleration and time.

3

The mathematician derived a new formula.

4

Can you derive a solution from the available data?

How It's Used

Logic

"From these premises, one can derive a conclusion."

Mathematics

"The equation can be derived from the given set of axioms."

Tip:Think of detective work - you derive the truth from clues.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Middle English *deriven*, from Old French *deriver* ('to divert, lead away, derive'), from Latin *dērivāre* ('to draw off, lead away, derive'), from *dē* ('away from') + *rīvus* ('stream').

The word 'derive' has been used since the 14th century to mean 'to draw off' or 'to obtain'. Its usage has evolved to also include inferring and reasoning.

Memory tip

Imagine a river (rīvus) flowing from its source. You are deriving knowledge by taking it from the source.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to draw off, lead away"

derive pleasurederive benefitderive incomederive a conclusionderive from

Common misspellings

derievederieve

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written