derive

UK: /dɪˈraɪv/ US: /dɪˈraɪv/ ,(di rīv′)

Inflections of 'derive' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

derives

v 3rd person singular

deriving

v pres p

derived

v past

derived

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•rive /dɪˈraɪv/   v., -rived, -riv•ing. 

1. [ ~ + obj + from + obj] to receive from another source;
   gain;
   glean:
   derives great satisfaction from her children.
2. to come from or trace from a source or origin: [ ~ + obj + from + obj]:
   We can derive the word deduct from Latin.
   [ ~ + from + obj]:
   The word deduct derives from Latin.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•rive  (di rīv′), v., -rived, -riv•ing. 
v.t. 

1. to receive or obtain from a source or origin (usually fol. by from).
2. to trace from a source or origin.
3. to reach or obtain by reasoning;
   deduce;
   infer.
4. Chemistry to produce or obtain (a substance) from another.

v.i. 

5. to come from a source or origin;
   originate (often fol. by from).

• Latin dērīvāre to lead off, equivalent. to dē- de- + rīv(us) a stream + -āre infinitive suffix
• Anglo-French, Old French deriver
• Middle English diriven, deriven to flow, draw from, spring 1350–1400

de•riv′a•ble, adj. 
de•riv′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. gain, attain, glean, gather, reap, net.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

derive / dɪˈraɪv/ verb

1. (usually followed by from) to draw or be drawn (from) in source or origin; trace or be traced
2. (transitive) to deduce; infer
3. (transitive) to trace the source or development of
4. (usually followed by from) to produce or be produced (from) by a chemical reaction

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin dērīvāre to draw off, from de- + rīvus a stream

deˈrivable adjective

deˈriver noun