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 Latex Latex mattresses are derived synthetically or naturally and create a buoyant, cooling experience that boosts mattress responsiveness. Macy Alcido, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 Aire Ancient Baths Address: 88 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013 About: Aire Ancient Baths may derive its name from the various pools that dot the property’s downstairs. James Manso, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 In place of retinol, True Botanicals' Phyto-Retinol Body Lotion utilizes intensive peptides derived from cranberry extract called peptilium that firm and tighten skin. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024 Meggy: Originally derived from the word megh, which means pearl, this medieval name also works as a nickname for Margaret or Megan. Anna Moeslein, Parents, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derive
Verb
  • If not, it’s understood that the host will treat the group.
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The opportunity to understand what went wrong vanished when Onyxx was cremated.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Unfortunately, for this exact reason, the studios decided to steer clear of the second weekend of November, which means there’s nothing else to talk about.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Several important House races have still yet to be decided.
    Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Like tree rings, they can be used to infer developmental speeds and timing.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
  • For more than a decade, astronomers have been searching that area for a hidden planet that has never been observed, but its presence is inferred by the behavior of other nearby objects.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • As first reported by the Associated Press, their discovery concludes a decades-long mystery about their whereabouts while highlighting numerous stories previously lost to history.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024
  • If the settlement agreement says what specific claims the payments are for and ideally how they should be taxed, the IRS may say thank you, and conclude the audit.
    Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Rio immediately identifies this to be Agatha’s trial, deducing that her worst nightmare — apart from having to embody this preppy ’80s aesthetic — would be facing up to any of the many deaths she’s caused over the centuries.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
  • The hypothesized hand is deduced from betting patterns of the opponents, which include bluffs.
    Jim Euchner, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near derive

Cite this Entry

“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derive. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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