Derivative — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /di-ˈri-və-tiv/ de·riv·a·tive

Meaning & Definition of Derivative

Derivative (noun)

  1. a word formed from another word or base, a word formed by derivation
  2. something derived
  3. the limit of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable as the latter change approaches zero

Derivative (adjective)

  1. formed from another word or base, formed by derivation
  2. having parts that originate from another source, made up of or marked by derived elements
  3. lacking originality, banal

Derivative (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. taken or created from something original or basic

    "a derivative style taken from earlier painters"

    similar: secondary, secondhand
    related: unoriginal, consequent, resultant
    opposite: basic, original
    near: fundamental, nonderivative, first, primary

Derivative (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that naturally develops or is developed from something else

    "the whole field of industrial robots is a derivative of technology developed for the space program"

    similar: by-product, derivate, derivation, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off
    related: descendant, aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, fruit, growth, issue, outcome, product, result, sequel, sequence, upshot, denouement, repercussion, aftereffect, side effect, copy, duplicate, facsimile, replica, reproduction
    opposite: origin, root, source
    near: archetype, original, prototype, antecedent, cause, determinant, occasion, reason

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Derivative

The most common words with a similar meaning to Derivative:

secondary, secondhand, by-product, derivate, derivation, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Derivative

Words with the opposite meaning of Derivative:

basic, original, origin, root, source

Related Words for Derivative

unoriginal, consequent, resultant, descendant, aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, fruit, growth, issue, outcome, product, result, sequel, sequence, upshot, denouement, repercussion, aftereffect, side effect, copy, duplicate, facsimile, replica, reproduction

Near Antonyms of Derivative

fundamental, nonderivative, first, primary, archetype, prototype, antecedent, cause, determinant, occasion, reason

Word Forms of Derivative

Derived words: derivatively (adverb), derivativeness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Derivative

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Derivative

Words & Phrases Containing Derivative

partial derivative

Frequently Asked Questions about Derivative

What does "Derivative" mean?

"Derivative" means a word formed from another word or base, a word formed by derivation. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a word formed from another word or base, a word formed by derivation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Derivative"?

Other words for "Derivative" include secondary, secondhand, by-product, derivate, derivation, offshoot, outgrowth and spin-off. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Derivative" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Derivative"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Derivative". Common alternatives include secondary, secondhand, by-product, derivate, derivation, offshoot, outgrowth and spin-off.

What is the opposite of "Derivative"?

Antonyms of "Derivative" include basic, original, origin, root and source. Near antonyms include fundamental, nonderivative, first and primary.

How do you use "Derivative" in a sentence?

Examples of "Derivative" in a sentence: "a derivative style taken from earlier painters"; "the whole field of industrial robots is a derivative of technology developed for the space program".

Is "Derivative" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Derivative" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Derivative" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Derivative" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Derivative"?

"Derivative" is pronounced /di-ˈri-və-tiv/ and divided into syllables as de·riv·a·tive.