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

Example 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 The significance behind the moment captured could derive multiple meanings depending on who is viewing or wearing the piece. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Aug. 2025 These tools provide managers, entrepreneurs, executives, and consultants with a valuable resource to efficiently dissect complex business issues and derive actionable insights. Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Our assessment derives from a thorough analysis of Fortinet’s valuation, contrasting its current condition with its historical financial performance and operational metrics. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 In 2024, Dior’s owner LVMH (which does not break out sales by brand) brought in €84.7 billion (about $98 billion) in revenue — 25% of which was derived from America, its second largest market alongside Europe, and after Asia. Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for derive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derive
Verb
  • But public health experts say the conditions that made parts of the city fertile ground for the disease this summer have been spreading widely, and all Americans need to understand the risk factors involved.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
  • That provides counties with more data for understanding the scope of the disaster.
    Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • So instead of targeting 2% inflation, the Fed decided to aim for inflation that averages 2% over time.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • However, the applicant team decided instead to proceed to a city hearing, where it was suggested the project be modified to address issues with drainage and setbacks.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To estimate distances, the team analyzed the objects' brightnesses across multiple wavelengths to infer redshift, age and mass.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Now Facebook’s parent company Meta is aiming for the next best thing—a new wristband that can, with the help of AI, infer electrical commands sent from the brain to muscles and convert them into computer signals, all in a noninvasive way.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In some cases, local prosecutors have clashed with federal immigration officials over attempts to deport crime defendants or witnesses before their cases conclude.
    John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • According to the memo, a preliminary investigation concluded that a woman, driving a BMW SUV, failed to yield when turning left, resulting in a collision with Hinds.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the March 2024 study, Langlais and his team were ultimately able to deduce that situationships are, overall, significantly less satisfying and of lower quality than exclusive romantic relationships are.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • American astronomer Harlow Shapley (1885-1972) deduced that the clusters are distributed around a center that is also our galaxy's center.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derive. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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