derive

verb

de·​rive di-ˈrīv How to pronounce derive (audio)
dē-
derived; deriving

transitive verb

1
a
: to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source
is said to derive its name from a Native American word meaning "wild onion"
b
chemistry : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
Petroleum is derived from coal tar.
2
: infer, deduce
what was derived from their observations
3
archaic : bring
… inconvenience that will be derived to them from stopping all imports …Thomas Jefferson
4
: 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.
Phytic acid gently refines skin texture, while vitis vinifera—derived from grapes—helps replenish moisture and smooth fine lines. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025 Air pollution derived from the huge amounts of energy needed to run data centers has been linked to treating cancers, asthma, and other related issues, according to research from UC Riverside and Caltech. Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2025 Though hemp and cannabis derive from the same plant, federal law passed in 2018 legalized hemp by defining it as having less than 0.3% by dry weight of delta-9 THC, the component that gets users high. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 The dry-scalp shampoo balances out the distribution of your hair’s natural oils, reduces grease, and cleans with a sulfate derived from palm oil. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 19 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derive. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

derive

verb
de·​rive di-ˈrīv How to pronounce derive (audio)
derived; deriving
1
: to receive or obtain from a source
2
: to arrive at by reasoning and observation : infer, deduce
3
: to trace the origin, descent, or derivation of
4
: 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 How to pronounce derive (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on derive

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