derive comfort from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derive comfort from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the process of gaining a feeling of emotional or physical comfort or solace from a certain thing or situation. For example: "I always derive comfort from sitting in nature and listening to the birds chirping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Opinion

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They don't deny their impending fate but derive comfort from simple acts of love and care.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I don't always want to derive comfort from my food.

The Guardian - Opinion

Etiquette-based medicine rests on the fact that patients derive comfort from specific actions — as opposed to attitudes or feelings — that are independent of the doctor's emotional investment in the patient.

The New York Times - Health

Still, he will derive comfort from the fact that when the late Sir Robert Mark took over the same job in 1972, also in the wake of scandals at the Yard, he was even more unpopular.

The Guardian

But the laws seem to be motivated less by the desires of the elderly than by the concerns of a younger generation, whose members derive comfort from the knowledge that they can control the end of their lives.

The New Yorker

Only weak countries derive comfort from the number of their friends.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

She derives comfort from one of the few things she can do that carry no price tag.

The New York Times

British ministers are deriving comfort from the idea that he is essentially a deal-maker, a man who once said: "Everything is negotiable".

The Guardian - Opinion

Passengers from LAX to JFK and ORD to IAH have resigned themselves to hunger, deriving comfort from being near enough to their knees to eat them, should things get dire.

The New York Times

In the episode, the character watches Cher's 1985 movie Mask, and derives comfort from the loving relationship between Cher's character and her son, who has a disfiguring genetic bone disorder.

Wikipedia

They may have derived comfort from receiving chemotherapy together with a low genomic risk result.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "derive comfort from", ensure that the source of comfort is clearly identified to provide context and meaning to the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "derive comfort from" in trivial situations; reserve it for scenarios where genuine solace or reassurance is obtained. For instance, it sounds unnatural to say 'I derive comfort from my new socks'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "derive comfort from" functions as a verb phrase, indicating how a subject obtains emotional or physical relief from a specific source. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a process of gaining solace.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Health

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "derive comfort from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe how someone obtains solace or reassurance from a particular source, according to Ludwig. It's commonly found in news, science and opinion pieces, illustrating its broad applicability. While relatively formal, the phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts to express how individuals find emotional or physical ease. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the exact origin of the comfort. Consider alternatives such as "find solace in" or "draw strength from" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be comforted by

Implies a passive reception of comfort from an external source.

find solace in

Focuses on emotional healing and peace found in something.

receive consolation from

Highlights emotional support and alleviation of grief.

extract consolation from

Emphasizes effort in finding comfort.

gain reassurance from

Highlights the reduction of anxiety and gaining of confidence.

draw strength from

Emphasizes empowerment and resilience obtained from a source.

glean comfort from

Suggests gathering comfort bit by bit.

take heart in

Suggests finding encouragement and renewed spirit.

get a sense of security from

Focuses on feeling safe and protected.

feel relief because of

Emphasizes the alleviation of pain or stress.

FAQs

How can I use "derive comfort from" in a sentence?

Use "derive comfort from" to express how someone finds solace or reassurance in something. For example, "She "derives comfort from" her family's support during difficult times".

What are some alternatives to "derive comfort from"?

You can use phrases like "find solace in", "gain reassurance from", or "draw strength from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "derive comfort from" than other similar phrases?

Yes, "derive comfort from" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "be comforted by" or "take heart in". Choose the phrase that best suits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "derive comfort from" and "take comfort in"?

"Derive comfort from" emphasizes the process of obtaining comfort, while "take comfort in" simply highlights the act of finding comfort in something. They are largely interchangeable, but the former is slightly more formal.