ENGLISH
REFERENCE

derives

v.
C1 Advanced US //dɝˈaɪvz// UK //dɪɹˈaɪvz// de·rives

v. to get something from a source. You use this when you explain where an idea, word, or feeling comes from.

v. to obtain or extract something from a specified source; to trace the origin of a concept, word, or quality. Transitive — typically used with 'from'.


SIMPLE

The word derives from Latin.

CONTEXTUAL

She derives her confidence from years of public speaking practice.

COMPLEX

Scholars argue that the modern democratic ideal derives from ancient Greek assemblies, though the institutional structures differ significantly.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and usually followed by the preposition 'from'.

Pitfall

It derives from the Latin wordIt is derived from the Latin wordWhen describing the origin of a static noun, the passive form 'is derived from' is more common than the active 'derives from'.

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