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

Example 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 Virginia National Bankshares Corporation annual 10-K report dated March 28, 2025. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 The original data was derived from the International Stem Cell Corporation annual 10-K report dated March 28, 2025. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 The original data was derived from the Harbor Diversified Inc quarterly 10-Q report dated March 28, 2025. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 The original data was derived from the RCFAF annual 10-K report dated March 28, 2025. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for derive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derive
Verb
  • IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And like Bell, my bandmates and I understood why other artists were continuing to cancel their performances.
    Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With the 26th pick, the Rams decide to bolster their offense by adding the best available running back.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Lacking any evidence, the department decided Ozturk could be deported at Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discretion under law.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Such images may infer that the director is deconstructing his work in one medium with another, but there was nothing so intentional on his mind.
    Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The utility of this recording does not come just from what the pilots might say; the sound of a stall warning indicator or landing gear retraction or engine noise could each allow investigators to infer things about the flight's last moments.
    Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • China's tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The audience peaked with around 21.1M viewers as the nail-biting game, in which the Gators trailed for a majority of the time, was concluding.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Tennis players are deduced, disadvantaged, deserved, and defaulted.
    Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Alienware’s simulations deduced that this was the most effective way to move cool air into the system and push hot air out as quickly as possible—even more efficient than including a rear outward-facing exhaust fan.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derive. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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