verb
derive
dih-RYV
verb
1
To get or obtain something from a particular source.
"She derives great satisfaction from teaching."
"The word "derive" itself derives from Latin."
2
To reach a conclusion by reasoning from known facts.
"Scientists derived their theory from years of careful observation."
How to Use Derive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get something from a source, or work out a conclusion from evidence.
Common mistake
Not related to "arrive", despite the similar sound.
Common pairings
derive pleasure
derive from
derive a formula
Word Forms
derived past tense, derives singular
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Etymology
From Old French deriver, from Latin derivare, "to draw off (water) from a stream," from de- + rivus, "stream" — the same root as "river" and "rival".