derive

verb de·rive \ di-ˈrīv , dē- \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

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Examples: derive in a Sentence

Definition of derive

derived; deriving

transitive verb

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

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

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

Petroleum is derived from coal tar.

2 : infer, deduce

what was derived from their observations

3 archaic : bring

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

4 : 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.

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deriver

noun

See derive defined for English-language learners

See derive defined for kids

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 of derive from the Web

While the studio ponders whether that requires adjusting course, a small, rebellious and inordinately vocal quadrant of the fan community is delighting in -- and deriving an unfortunate message from -- those woes.

— brian lowry, CNN, "'Star Wars' should resist bowing to the force of its most vocal fans," 4 June 2018
Mohamedzien said the hate and misunderstanding derive from ignorance.

— dennis hohenberger, Courant Community, "Sisterhood Of Salaam Shalom Brings Together Faiths," 29 May 2018
My ideas are derived from common sense coupled with innovation.

— elizabeth marie himchak, Pomerado News, "Peters challenged by six Republicans in 52nd Congressional primary," 23 May 2018
With a palette derived from Kaepernick's bold spirit and sophisticated taste, Franklin worked her way through the home's four bedrooms, living room and den, playing with texture and shapes along the way.

— jessica cumberbatch anderson, ELLE Decor, "House Tour: Colin Kaepernick’s California Bachelor Pad Defies Stereotypes," 10 Jan. 2018
The first is that the day derives from Lupercalia, a raucous Roman festival on February 15 where men stripped naked and spanked young maidens in hopes of upping their fertility.

— kathleen davis, Woman's Day, "12 Things You Didn't Know About Valentine's Day," 8 Jan. 2018
Anastasia was not a traditional Russian imperial name but derived from the Greek anastasia, meaning resurrection.

— nancy bilyeau, Town & Country, "Will the Real Anastasia Romanov Please Stand Up?," 25 Apr. 2017
One early clue comes from the 1549 Book of Common Prayer, from which Church of England ceremonies are still derived.

— lily rothman, Time, "Meghan Markle's Father Didn't Walk Her Down the Aisle. That Choice Has More History Behind It Than You May Think," 19 May 2018
Cimperman's lawyer, Roger Synenberg, speaking for his client after an initial court appearance April 27, said Cimperman did not derive a personal benefit from his actions and that all of his votes were cast in an open process.

— robert higgs, cleveland.com, "Some of ex-Councilman Joe Cimperman's ethics charges involve votes on ordinances that didn't name the recipient of the contract," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'derive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of derive

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

derive Synonyms

Synonyms

conclude, decide, deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, judge, make out, reason, understand;

Related Words

assume, suppose;

conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise;

construe, interpret, read;

contemplate, philosophize, rationalize, think;

ascertain, dope (out), find out;

Phrases

draw a conclusion;

Synonym Discussion of 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

DERIVE Defined for English Language Learners

derive

verb

Definition of derive for English Language Learners

: to take or get (something) from (something else)
: to have something as a source : to come from something

DERIVE Defined for Kids

derive

verb de·rive \ di-ˈrīv \

Definition of derive for Students

derived; deriving

1 : to take or get from a source

I derive great pleasure from reading.

2 : to come from a certain source

Some modern holidays derive from ancient traditions.

3 : to trace the origin or source of

We derive the word “cherry” from a French word.

Medical Dictionary

derive

verb de·rive \ di-ˈrīv \

medical Definition of derive

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

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