derive

verb

de·​rive di-ˈrīv How to pronounce derive (audio)
dē-
derived; deriving; derives
Synonyms of derive

transitive verb

1
a
: to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source
Some of his tennis skill set does derive from his mother, and some of it is his own.—David Waldstein
b
chemistry : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
Petroleum is derived from coal tar.
2
: infer, deduce
what was derived from their observations
3
archaic : bring
… inconvenience that will be derived to them from stopping all imports …—Thomas Jefferson
4
: to trace the derivation of
We can derive the word "chauffeur" from French.

intransitive verb

: to have or take origin : come as a derivative
The novel's appeal derives entirely from the complexity of its characters.
deriver noun

Synonyms of derive

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spring, arise, rise, originate, derive, flow, issue, emanate, proceed, stem mean to come up or out of something into existence.

spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Examples of derive in a Sentence

The river derives its name from a Native American tribe. Much of the book's appeal derives from the personality of its central character.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This standard was derived from the static and predictable market of bricks and mortar banking in a local area. — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 History and discovery Buprenorphine is derived from thebaine, an alkaloid that occurs naturally in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 The Minneapolis company has shifted to fruit- and vegetable-based dyes as well as colors derived from spices like turmeric and paprika to give its cereals their customary bright colors. — Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Last year, Holywater struck a deal with Fox that calls for the partners to produce as many as 200 vertical media series derived from IP drawn from Fox’s vault. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derive

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French deriver, from Latin derivare, literally, to draw off (water), from de- + rivus stream — more at run

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of derive was in the 14th century

Rhymes for derive

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Browse Nearby Words

derivatize
derive
derived
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Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

derive

verb
de·​rive di-ˈrīv How to pronounce derive (audio)
derived; deriving
1
: to receive or obtain from a source
2
: to arrive at by reasoning and observation : infer, deduce
3
: to trace the origin, descent, or derivation of
4
: to come from a certain source or basis
the tradition derives from ancient practices
derivable
-ˈrī-və-bəl
adjective

Medical Definition

derive

verb
de·​rive di-ˈrīv How to pronounce derive (audio)
derived; deriving

transitive verb

: to take, receive, or obtain, especially from a specified source
specifically : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance

intransitive verb

: to have or take origin
derivation
ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce derive (audio)
noun
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