derive

as in to understand
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information from the summit, he was able to derive his location from the position of several prominent landmarks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb derive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of derive are arise, emanate, flow, issue, originate, proceed, rise, spring, and stem. While all these words mean "to come up or out of something into existence," derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

How do arise and rise relate to one another, in the sense of derive?

Arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

When might emanate be a better fit than derive?

In some situations, the words emanate and derive are roughly equivalent. However, emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

How are the words flow and spring related as synonyms of derive?

Flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

When can issue be used instead of derive?

While in some cases nearly identical to derive, issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

When would originate be a good substitute for derive?

While the synonyms originate and derive are close in meaning, originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

Where would proceed be a reasonable alternative to derive?

The synonyms proceed and derive are sometimes interchangeable, but proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

When is it sensible to use spring instead of derive?

The words spring and derive can be used in similar contexts, but spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

When could stem be used to replace derive?

Although the words stem and derive have much in common, stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of derive The original data was derived from the RGC Resources Inc. annual 10-K report dated December 5, 2024. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 5 Dec. 2024 Each of our 10 resulting selections is a triumph of alchemy, deriving insight from fresh combinations of dismay and delight, tragedy and comedy, mourning and hope. The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024 The fortune that was at the heart of his federal tax case and fueled his years-long drug binge derived from foreign business deals, legal work and consulting. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024 Other elements derived from the Stuttgart carmaker include the dual-clutch transmission and VW Group components like the 4.0-liter V-8. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derive
Verb
  • Further clinical trials are needed to better understand and assess the potential mechanisms at work.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Testing can help officials understand which farms and cows are infected, and how the virus is moving between them, said Matthew Moore, an assistant professor in the department of food science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
    Dani Blum, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Following Wrinkles, Indiana took a 15-year hiatus from executions until Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb decided this year to resume them.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The court decided that the ATF's denial was lawful and the Court of Appeals upheld this decision.
    Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Clovis people were known to brandish an array of pointy stone tools that archaeologists have inferred to be hunting weapons.
    Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The presence of tools associated with fishing at the camp, as well as the canine bones nearby heavily infers human interaction between the humans and canines.
    Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Research by the Korn Ferry Institute concluded that Springboard entrepreneurs possess agile learning skills that distinguish them from successful corporate executives.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Notably, Dozier, who died in 2015, argued the exact opposite of what the trial prosecutor had claimed — concluding that Napoletano’s testimony was more reliable than Sindle’s.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But Han deduced the spider launches its web in response to the vibrations of airborne insect wings.
    Ari Daniel, NPR, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Upcoming Hulu Series Sparks Backlash in Italy The arriving cops quickly deduced there’d been a crime.
    Sarah Weinman, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near derive

Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derive. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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