be derived from sth
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to come from or be based on something else. You use this when one thing starts as a result of another thing's existence.
phrasal verb. to have a specified source or origin; used to indicate the provenance of a word, substance, or concept. Usually occurs in the passive voice.
Many English words are derived from Latin.
The new medicine is derived from a rare plant found in the rainforest.
The legal principles governing this case are derived from centuries of common law tradition and judicial precedent.
almost always used in the passive form (be + derived) followed by the preposition 'from'.
contrast with 'come from'; 'be derived from' implies a process of change or development from the source rather than just a physical origin.
The word derives of Greek.The word is derived from Greek.the phrase requires the preposition 'from' and is most naturally used in the passive 'be derived'.
Last updated April 24, 2026