derive

verb

de·rive di-ˈrīv

dē-

derived; deriving

Synonyms of derive next

transitive verb

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

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

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

Petroleum is derived from coal tar.

: infer, deduce

what was derived from their observations

archaic : bring

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

Thomas Jefferson

: 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.

deriver noun

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

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.

The original data was derived from the Laredo Oil Inc quarterly 10-Q report dated January 17, 2025. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 17 Jan. 2025 Look for products derived from organic, non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp grown in the USA. —

Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025 Naturally derived essential oils are difficult to stabilize and can fade or change over time, giving your perfume a shorter shelf life from the first spray to the last. —

Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025 The word fetish is derived from the Latin factitius: imitated, opposed to the natural. —

Marlene Engelhorn, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for derive

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of derive was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derive. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

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Kids Definition

derive

verb

de·rive di-ˈrīv

derived; deriving

: to receive or obtain from a source

: to arrive at by reasoning and observation : infer, deduce

: to trace the origin, descent, or derivation of

: to come from a certain source or basis

the tradition derives from ancient practices

derivable

-ˈrī-və-bəl

adjective

Medical Definition

derive

verb

de·rive di-ˈrīv

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

derivation

ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən

noun

Last Updated: 22 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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derive

verb

Synonyms

Examples of derive in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near derive

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition