ENGLISH
REFERENCE

be derived from sth

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to come from or be based on something else. You use this when one thing starts as a result of another thing's existence.

phr. v.. to have a specified source or origin; used to indicate the provenance of a word, substance, or concept. Usually occurs in the passive voice.


SIMPLE

Many English words are derived from Latin.

CONTEXTUAL

The new medicine is derived from a rare plant found in the rainforest.

COMPLEX

The legal principles governing this case are derived from centuries of common law tradition and judicial precedent.

Particles
from
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
be + derived + from + object
Usage

almost always used in the passive form (be + derived) followed by the preposition 'from'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'come from'; 'be derived from' implies a process of change or development from the source rather than just a physical origin.

Pitfall

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'.

© 2026 English Reference