Derivative

Quick meaning: Derivative is an adjective meaning Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. Imitative of the work of someone else.
2. (finance) Having a value that depends on an underlying asset of variable value.
3. Something derived.
4. (linguistics) A word formed by derivation, such as stylish from style.
5. (finance) A financial instrument whose value depends on the valuation of an underlying asset; such as a warrant, an option etc.
6. (chemistry) A chemical derived from another.
7. (law, copyright law) Referring to a work, such as a translation or adaptation, based on another work that may be subject to copyright restrictions.

Example Sentences

a derivative word

a derivative conveyance

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.

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.

Word Forms

• derivatives

Synonyms for derivative

Depending on context, synonyms include derivate, offshoot, spinoff, derived, inflected, differential.

Antonyms for derivative

Common opposites include coincidental, root, primitive.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include differential, inflected, derived, by-product, resulting, processed.

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