derive
gb/dɪɹˈaɪv/ us/dɪɹˈaɪv/
B2
English
~ 1900
nyer, merít, ered, származik, derivál, differenciál, levezet
VERB
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to derive [something] from [something]
The drug is derived from a plant found in the Amazon.
A gyógyszert egy Amazóniában található növényből nyerik ki.
She derives great satisfaction from helping others.
Nagy megelégedést merít abból, hogy másoknak segít.
The English word 'chocolate' derives from the Aztec word 'xocolatl'.
Many modern laws derive from ancient traditions.
Learner examples
This medicine is derived from a tree.
Ezt a gyógyszert egy fafajtából nyerik ki.
She derives joy from painting.
Örömet merít a festésből.
The word derives from Latin.
We derive energy from food.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'derive' with 'develop'; 'derive' means to get from a source, not to create over time.
Meaning
Get something from a source
Collocations
derive meaning from
|derive benefit from
|derive pleasure from
|derive energy from
Synonyms
obtain (More general; doesn't always imply from a specific source.)
|
acquire (Focuses on gaining possession, not necessarily origin.)
Antonyms
give (Opposite in the sense of providing rather than receiving.)
Themes
general
|origin
|source
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To get something from another thing or place.
To obtain or receive something from a specific source, origin, or starting point.
VERB
B2
TECHNICAL
2
Usage pattern:
to derive from [something]
The theory derives from years of careful research.
Az elmélet évekig tartó gondos kutatásból ered.
Our customs derive from ancient rituals.
Szokásaink ősi rítusokból erednek.
Modern birds derive from certain types of dinosaurs.
Learner examples
My idea derives from my own life.
Az ötletem a saját életemből ered.
This rule derives from old law.
Ez a szabály régi jogszabályból ered.
Many words derive from Latin.
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'derive' incorrectly for unrelated cause-effect relationships; it must indicate origin.
Meaning
Come from an origin or base
Collocations
derive from data
|derive from research
|derive from experience
Synonyms
originate (Focuses more on the starting point of existence.)
|
stem (Informal and metaphorical; often used for ideas or problems.)
Antonyms
end (Opposite in the sense of ceasing rather than beginning from something.)
Themes
science
|history
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To come or develop from something else.
To originate, develop, or evolve from a particular source or starting point.
VERB
C1
3
Usage pattern:
to derive [a function] with respect to [a variable]
We need to derive the equation for velocity.
A sebesség egyenletét deriválással kell levezetnünk.
The student derived the formula step by step.
A diák lépésről lépésre levezette a képletet.
This result can be derived using basic calculus.
Learner examples
We derive this equation in class.
Az órán levezetjük ezt az egyenletet.
I can derive this formula.
Le tudom vezetni ezt a képletet.
He derived the answer with math.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'derive' in math with general usage; here it specifically means calculating a derivative or deducing a formula.
Meaning
Find a mathematical derivative
Collocations
derive an equation
|derive a formula
|derive mathematically
Synonyms
differentiate (Technical term in calculus; exact synonym in math context.)
Themes
mathematics
|science
|education
Definition
To find the rate of change of a function in math.
To calculate the derivative of a function in mathematics.
Grammar
Dictionary form
derive
IPA
GB/dɪɹˈaɪv/
US/dɪɹˈaɪv/
Syllables & stress
de - rive (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (rive)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: derive
- 3rd Person Singular: derives
- Present Participle: deriving
- Past: derived
Word family
Forms
derives
verb
deriving
verb
derived
verb
Core family
derivation
noun
derivative
noun B2
Advanced or less common
derivable
adjective
derivational
adjective
Expressions
derive benefit from
1/dɪɹˈaɪv bˈɛnəfɪt fɹˈʌm/
fixed phrase
Get advantage from something
To get something good or helpful from something else.
Examples
- Employees can derive benefit from training programs.
- He derived great benefit from the mentorship.
derive from
1/dɪɹˈaɪv fɹˈʌm/
phrasal verb
Come from a source or origin
To come or be taken from something else.
Examples
- This dish derives from traditional Italian cooking.
- Her confidence derives from years of experience.
derive pleasure from
1/dɪɹˈaɪv plˈɛʒɚ fɹˈʌm/
fixed phrase
Get enjoyment from something
To feel happy because of something you do or have.
Examples
- She derives pleasure from gardening every weekend.
- Many people derive pleasure from reading novels.