Derivative

/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/ · adjective

Meaning

Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental..

Definitions by Sense

1. Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.
2. Imitative of the work of someone else.
3. (law, copyright law) Referring to a work, such as a translation or adaptation, based on another work that may be subject to copyright restrictions.
4. (finance) Having a value that depends on an underlying asset of variable value.
5. Something derived.
6. (linguistics) A word formed by derivation, such as stylish from style.
7. (finance) A financial instrument whose value depends on the valuation of an underlying asset; such as a warrant, an option etc.
8. (chemistry) A chemical derived from another.

Example Sentences

a derivative conveyance

a derivative word

People started talking about the pandemic as if it were itself a television show; as the second wave hit last fall, they griped about the derivative writing on Covid Season 2.

No, I really felt it was very derivative. To me it it looked like it was straight out of Diane Arbus, but it had none of the wit.

Synonyms for derivative

Antonyms for derivative

Related Words

Word Forms

• more derivative
• most derivative
• derivatives

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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