To obtain or receive (something) from something else.
"Students can derive great pleasure from reading books about their favorite hobbies."
In plain English: To derive something means to get it from another source, such as finding an answer by working through math steps or learning a new word from its root.
"The recipe for her famous chocolate cake was derived from an old family cookbook."
Usage: Use derive to indicate that you gain an idea, pleasure, or quality as a result of another source, such as deriving satisfaction from helping others. Avoid confusing it with "deduce," which refers specifically to reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning rather than simply receiving something.
Example Sentences
"The recipe for her famous chocolate cake was derived from an old family cookbook."verb
"He derived great joy from spending time with his grandchildren."verb
"The company's profits were derived mainly from sales in the summer months."verb
"You can derive useful skills by learning how to code."verb
The word "derive" comes from the Latin verb dērīvō, which originally meant to lead or draw off a liquid like water. It is formed from the prefix dē- meaning "away" and rīvus meaning "a stream."