English Dictionary

Definition of “derive”

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derive (dɪˈraɪv)

Definitions

verb

(usually foll by from) to draw or be drawn (from) in source or origin; trace or be traced
(tr) to obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer
(tr) to trace the source or development of
(usually foll by from) to produce or be produced (from) by a chemical reaction
mathematics to obtain (a function) by differentiation

Alternative Forms

deˈrivable adjective deˈriver noun

Word Origin

C14: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin dērīvāre to draw off, from de- + rīvus a stream

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= obtain, get, receive, draw, gain, collect, gather, extract, elicit, glean, procure,

Usage examples

May have to ring you when it comes, to read it to you, as Dan doesn't derive the proper enjoyment from it.
Bénédicte Newland and Pascale Smets, AND GOD CREATED THE AU PAIR (2005)
These ecosystems derive their energy entirely from the chemicals in the vented water.
New Scientist (2004)
No organisation that deals with government should derive an advantage on the basis of who they know.
The Australian (2004)
They therefore derive a portion of their income from tobacco tax - that is to say, from smokers.
Glasgow Herald (2001)
These effects derive from the rotation of the earth, which is quite separate from the motions of the planets through the signs.
Roberts, Peter, The Message of Astrology (1990)

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