First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
derive
verb de·rive \di-ˈrīv, dē-\
: to take or get (something) from (something else)
: to have something as a source : to come from something
de·rivedde·riv·ing
Full Definition of DERIVE
transitive verb
1
a : to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source b : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
3
archaic : bring
4
: to trace the derivation of
intransitive verb
: to have or take origin : come as a derivative
— de·riv·er noun
See derive defined for English-language learners
See derive defined for kids
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Origin of DERIVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French deriver, from Latin derivare, literally, to draw off (water), from de- + rivus stream — more at run
Related to DERIVE
- Synonyms
- conclude, decide, deduce, infer, extrapolate, gather, judge, make out, reason, understand
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 (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>.
Rhymes with DERIVE
DERIVE Defined for Kids
derive
verb de·rive \di-ˈrīv\
de·rivedde·riv·ing
Definition of DERIVE for Kids
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\
de·rivedde·riv·ing
Medical Definition of DERIVE
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
—der·i·va·tion \ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən\ noun
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