Derive

/dɪˈɹaɪv/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To obtain or receive (something) from something else..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To obtain or receive (something) from something else.
2. (transitive, logic) To deduce (a conclusion) by reasoning.
3. (transitive, linguistics) To find the derivation of (a word or phrase).
4. (transitive, chemistry) To create (a compound) from another by means of a reaction.
5. (intransitive) To originate or stem (from).
6. To turn the course of (water, etc.); to divert and distribute into subordinate channels.
7. (transitive, mathematics, proscribed) To differentiate (a function).

Example Sentences

Reading books is the best way to derive knowledge.

Bob the aforesaid, and his present chances of deriving a competent independence from the honourable profession to which he had devoted himself.

Power is derived from a British United Traction Limited "A"-type 150-h.p. six-cylinder horizontal diesel engine; this drives through a fluid flywheel, and thence through a free wheel unit to a four-speed epicyclic gearbox.

Some poems, echoing the purpose of early poetic treatises on scientific principles, attempt to elucidate the mathematical concepts that underlie prime numbers. Others play with primes’ cultural associations. Still others derive their structure from mathematical patterns involving primes.

Her excellent organisation skills derive from her time as a secretary in the army.

Britannia's firebox would appear to have derived from those of the Bulleid Pacifics, which it closely resembles.

Today, popularity is typically a multialgorithmic measure. At Flickr, a photo's interestingness derives from views, comments, notes, bookmarks, favorites...

As in much of biology, the most satisfying truths in ecology derive from manipulative experimentation. Tinker with nature and quantify how it responds.

Synonyms for derive

Antonyms for derive

Related Words

Word Forms

• derives
• deriving
• derived

Usage Notes

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

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