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Definition of derive

derive

/dɪˈraɪv/
de · rive
Adverb:derivatively
•
Adjective:derivative
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Past Simple:derived
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Past Participle:derived
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Present Participle:deriving
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derive Lexical Profile

derive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To obtain or receive something from a specified source.

Example

"Many students derive great satisfaction from mastering a difficult musical instrument."

2

To originate or develop from a particular source, root, or starting point (usually followed by 'from').

Example

"The English word 'salary' derives from the Latin term for salt."

3

To reach or formulate a conclusion, concept, or mathematical expression by logical reasoning or deduction.

Example

"The physicist was able to derive the equation from fundamental laws of motion."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for derive

• Nearby Words

derivable
derivation
derivative
derive
dermal
dermatitis
dermatological

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French deriver, from Latin derivare ('to draw off or divert water from a stream'), formed from de- ('from, away') and rivus ('stream, brook').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Derive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/derive
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