1. (historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase
   "The linguist's deriving of the term revealed its unexpected roots";
   - derivation, etymologizing

1. Obtain from a particular source
   "The present name derives from an older form"
    
2. Have the benefit of; obtain something desirable
   "derive pleasure from one's garden";
   - gain
    
3. Conclude by reasoning from evidence or premises
   "From the evidence, we can derive that the suspect was present at the scene";
   - deduce, infer, deduct [rare]
    
4. Develop or evolve from a latent or potential state
   "The theory was derived from years of research";
   - educe [formal]
    
5. Be connected by a relationship of blood, for example
   "he derives from humble origins";
   - come, descend

Type of: account, conclude, create, evolve, explanation, make, obtain, reason, reason out, relate

Encyclopedia: Derive