derive Hear it!

derive Definition

de·rive (di rīv′)

transitive verb derived -·rived′, deriving -·riv′·ing

  1. to get or receive (something) from a source
  2. to get by reasoning; deduce or infer
  3. to trace from or to a source; show the derivation of
  4. Chem. to obtain or produce (a compound) from another compound by replacing one element with one or more other elements

Etymology: ME deriven < OFr deriver < L derivare, to divert, orig., to turn a stream from its channel < de-, from + rivus, a stream: see rival

intransitive verb

to come (from); be derived; originate

Related Forms:

derive Synonyms

derive

v.

  1. To draw a conclusion

    determine, work out, conclude; see assume 1, infer 1.

  2. To receive

    acquire, obtain, procure; see reap 2, receive 1.

  3. To come from

    originate, arise, stem, descend; see arise 3, begin 2. See syn. study at arise.

derive Usage Examples

Object

  • pleasure: She still derives much pleasure from the visits of Old Boys.
  • benefit: However, they are also likely to derive little benefit from these supplements.

Modifying Another Word

  • ultimately: This idea is inherited from 19 th -century esthetics, and derives ultimately from Kant.

Preposition: from

  • source: Such tools may or may not derive from obscure sources.
  • root: Solomon and Saul both derive from the same root as soul and sol, the sun in Latin.