English vocabulary · B2
Derive
/dɪˈraɪv/ · v.
To derive something is to get it from a clear source. Facts or materials come first, and the final result comes from them.
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Example sentences
- Artists derive dye from berries.
- Her answer derives from the facts.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — from (from Latin)
- riv — stream (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- OBTAIN — get something (Get From A Source)
- EXTRACT — take something out (Take From Material)
- GAIN — get something useful (Receive A Result)
Words with the same root
riv — stream
- rival — a person who competes with you
- rivulet — a very small stream
Lesson notes
To derive something is to get it from a clear source. Facts or materials come first, and the final result comes from them.
Related: obtain, extract, gain. Use derive when something comes from a clear source.
Artists derive dye from berries. Her answer derives from the facts.
From Latin. De- means from. Riv- means stream. From a stream source, we derive something from where it began.