Word
derived
Phoneticsde·rived, stress on the second syllable
US/dɝˈaɪvd/
UK/dɪɹˈaɪvd/
Definitions
01obtained from a source
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to have come from or been taken from a specific source.
v. the past participle of 'derive', indicating that something was obtained, extracted, or traced back to a specific origin.
“The new medicine was derived from a rare plant found in the rainforest.”
“The legal principles applied in this case were derived from centuries of common law tradition rather than recent legislative changes.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice with the preposition 'from'.
Antonyms
02not original
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. something that is based on or created from something else, rather than being completely new.
adj. describing something that is secondary or developed from a primary source; in linguistics, refers to a word formed from another.
“The word 'happiness' is a derived word because it comes from 'happy'.”
“Critics argued that the composer's later symphonies were overly derived, lacking the raw innovation of his early avant-garde period.”
Antonyms
03evolutionary change
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
adj. having traits that are different from an ancestor species.
adj. pertaining to traits or conditions unique to a descendant species that were not present in its ancestral lineage.
“Walking on two legs is a derived trait that separates humans from other apes.”
“The presence of feathers is a derived characteristic that distinguishes the avian lineage from its reptilian ancestors.”
Real-World Examples
“The tribe’s name is derived from the Shoshone word sosoni , meaning high-growing grasses.” “His racist theory was derived from the results of an I.Q.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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