Derivation Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

Derivation is the process of getting something from a source, or the origin of something, especially when talking about the history or development of words.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in linguistics to discuss word origins ('word derivation'); also in math/science for formulas or processes. Formal/academic register. Not to be confused with 'derivative' (especially in math), which is a different concept.

• Spanish: derivación - procedencia (palabra)
• Portuguese (BR): derivação - origem (palavra)
• Portuguese (PT): derivação - origem (palavra)
• Chinese (Simplified): 派生 - 起源
• Chinese (Traditional): 派生 - 起源
• Hindi: व्युत्पत्ति - उत्पत्ति
• Arabic: اشتقاق - أصل
• Bengali: উৎপত্তি - নির্গমন
• Russian: происхождение - получение
• Japanese: 派生 - 起源
• Vietnamese: nguồn gốc - sự hình thành
• Korean: 파생 - 유래
• Turkish: türetme - köken
• Urdu: اخذ - ماخذ
• Indonesian: derivasi - asal-usul

Example Sentences

The derivation of the word 'biology' comes from Greek.

basic

Can you explain the derivation of this formula?

basic

His explanation of the derivation was really detailed.

natural

The derivation of this tradition is still a mystery.

natural

The derivation of 'happiness' is from 'happy'.

basic

Understanding the derivation makes word learning much easier.

natural