derive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "derive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean "to obtain or develop something from a source or origin", or as a noun to mean "the source or origin of something". For example: The musical score is derived from a classical piece. The derivation of the new software was inspired by existing solutions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition to spotting new bugs, this approach can also identify some kinds of existing bugs that appear as inconsistencies in the model.As well as deriving models from code, it is also possible to derive code from models, at least up to a point.

The Economist

The story of Ewen Cameron killing a wolf in Killiecrankie seems to derive from a footnote in travel book for 1769, but it is by no means the only "last wolf" story.

The Guardian

The exhibition, sponsored by both Clarks and Agent Provocateur, will explore the history of how and why women, and some men, have worn outlandish shoes in the pursuit of a certain look – and the pleasure we derive from shoes, perhaps over any other fashion item.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's Skomer in Pembrokeshire, for example, Bempton in East Yorkshire and Lundy Island (whose name is thought to derive from the old Norse for puffin).

The Guardian - Travel

"Even a two-degree celsius rise would be a very dangerous level of warming for coral reef ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef, and the people who derive benefits them," it stated.

The Guardian

The zeitgeisty wallop comes in the words, which derive from a modern musician's insecurities but say so much about our brittle and uncertain times.

The Guardian - Music

Questioning the necessity for elections, Mr Mesbah-Yazdi, a hardline cleric, said the system's Islamic component should override the republican element, meaning officials should derive their authority from God rather than people's votes.

The Guardian

What burns through is the sense of faith in the individual: the bigger the contribution people make to their own lives and the community, the more fulfilment they will feel and the greater satisfaction they will derive from the way they live.

The Guardian - Opinion

In what amounts to Abbott's most in-depth comments about the environment since forming government, the prime minister outlined a philosophy based largely on what people can derive from natural resources.

The Guardian

It is thought to derive from the Old English ammel, meaning "enamel", and is an exquisitely exact word for a fugitive phenomenon I have several times seen, but never before named.

The Guardian - Books

When Wilson sprang the Brighton offside trap 11 minutes later the game was won but up until then the two players who looked most likely to derive any satisfaction from the evening were Bournemouth's central defenders Steve Cook and the captain Tommy Elphick, two players who left Brighton three years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "derive", ensure the sentence clearly indicates both the source and what is being obtained or deduced. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "derive of" instead of "derive from". The correct preposition to indicate the source is "from".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "derive" is as a transitive verb, indicating the act of obtaining or developing something from a source. It can also function as an intransitive verb, meaning to originate or stem from. Ludwig shows it's commonly used this way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "derive" is a versatile verb that signifies obtaining something from a source or deducing a conclusion through reasoning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency, particularly in formal contexts like news, business, and science. To ensure clarity, always specify both the source and the derived element. Remember to use "derive from", not "derive of". Related phrases include "obtain from", "deduce from", and "originate from". This analysis, based on extensive examples, aims to provide a solid understanding of the proper usage of "derive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain from

Focuses on the act of getting something from a source, emphasizing the result rather than the process.

deduce from

Highlights the reasoning process involved in reaching a conclusion based on evidence.

originate from

Emphasizes the point of origin or beginning of something.

stem from

Suggests that something grows or develops from a particular source.

arise from

Implies that something emerges or comes into existence as a result of something else.

extract from

Focuses on the process of taking something out of a larger whole.

infer from

Similar to deduce, but often implies less certainty in the conclusion.

draw from

Suggests using something as a source of inspiration or information.

gain from

Focuses on acquiring a benefit or advantage from something.

ascertain from

Implies a careful and deliberate effort to find something out.

FAQs

How to use "derive" in a sentence?

Use "derive" to show that something comes from a particular source. For example, "The word 'algorithm' is derived from the name of a Persian mathematician."

What can I say instead of "derive from"?

You can use alternatives like "originate from", "stem from", or "arise from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "derive from" or "derive of"?

"Derive from" is the correct phrase. "Derive of" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "derive" and "deduce"?

"Derive" means to obtain something from a source, while "deduce" means to reach a conclusion through reasoning. You "derive information" from a source, and "deduce a conclusion" from evidence.