Derive — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈrīv/ de·rive

Meaning & Definition of Derive

Derive (verb)

  1. to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source
  2. to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
  3. infer, deduce

Derive (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information

    "from the summit, he was able to derive his location from the position of several prominent landmarks"

    similar: conclude, decide, deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, judge, make out, reason, understand, draw a conclusion
    related: assume, suppose, conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise, construe, interpret, read, contemplate, philosophize, rationalize, think, ascertain, dope (out), find out

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Derive

The most common words with a similar meaning to Derive:

conclude, decide, deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, judge, make out, reason, understand, draw a conclusion

Related Words for Derive

assume, suppose, conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise, construe, interpret, read, contemplate, philosophize, rationalize, think, ascertain, dope (out), find out

Word Forms of Derive

Inflections: derived, deriving, derives

Derived words: deriver (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Derive

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

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Derive

Frequently Asked Questions about Derive

What does "Derive" mean?

"Derive" means to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source. As a verb, it is defined as: to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source.

What is another word for "Derive"?

Other words for "Derive" include conclude, decide, deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, judge and make out. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Derive" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Derive"?

There are 27 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Derive". Common alternatives include conclude, decide, deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, judge, make out, reason and understand.

How do you use "Derive" in a sentence?

Examples of "Derive" in a sentence: "from the summit, he was able to derive his location from the position of several prominent landmarks".

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

"Derive" is a verb.

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

As a B2-level word, "Derive" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Derive"?

"Derive" is pronounced /di-ˈrīv/ and divided into syllables as de·rive.

What is the origin of the word "Derive"?

"Derive" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French deriver, from Latin derivare, literally, to draw off (water), from de- + rivus stream run. First known use: 14th centuryt.