derive
gb/dɪɹˈaɪv/ us/dɪɹˈaɪv/
B2
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
Get something from a source
To get something from another thing or place.
Usage pattern:
to derive [something] from [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'derive' with 'develop'; 'derive' means to get from a source, not to create over time.
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.)
Collocations
derive meaning from
|derive benefit from
|derive pleasure from
|derive energy from
Themes
general
|origin
|source
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The drug is derived from a plant found in the Amazon.
- She derives great satisfaction from helping others.
- 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.
- She derives joy from painting.
- The word derives from Latin.
- We derive energy from food.
Verb
technical
B2
action
2
Come from an origin or base
To come or develop from something else.
Usage pattern:
to derive from [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'derive' incorrectly for unrelated cause-effect relationships; it must indicate origin.
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.)
Collocations
derive from data
|derive from research
|derive from experience
Themes
science
|history
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The theory derives from years of careful research.
- Our customs derive from ancient rituals.
- Modern birds derive from certain types of dinosaurs.
Learner examples
- My idea derives from my own life.
- This rule derives from old law.
- Many words derive from Latin.
Verb
C1
action
3
Find a mathematical derivative
To find the rate of change of a function in math.
Usage pattern:
to derive [a function] with respect to [a variable]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'derive' in math with general usage; here it specifically means calculating a derivative or deducing a formula.
Synonyms
differentiate (Technical term in calculus; exact synonym in math context.)
Collocations
derive an equation
|derive a formula
|derive mathematically
Themes
mathematics
|science
|education
Examples
- We need to derive the equation for velocity.
- The student derived the formula step by step.
- This result can be derived using basic calculus.
Learner examples
- We derive this equation in class.
- I can derive this formula.
- He derived the answer with math.
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.