derivation
Derivation is the process of tracing something back to its source or origin, particularly in linguistics where it refers to the formation of a word from another word or base. It can also refer to the logical steps used to reach a conclusion or formula in mathematics and science.
Examples
3 of 5The teacher explained the derivation of the word 'telephone' from Greek roots.
The instructor described the linguistic origin of the word 'telephone' from ancient Greek.
The legal derivation of these rights is found in the nation's constitution.
The formal source of these legal rights is established within the country's constitution.
I am not sure about the derivation of that weird nickname he has.
I don't know where that strange nickname of his actually came from.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'River' - just as a river flows from its source, a derivation shows how a word or idea flows from its original root.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the scientific theory was documented in the researcher's final report.
Correct!
The correct answer is: derivation
Examples
The teacher explained the derivation of the word 'telephone' from Greek roots.
everydayThe instructor described the linguistic origin of the word 'telephone' from ancient Greek.
The legal derivation of these rights is found in the nation's constitution.
formalThe formal source of these legal rights is established within the country's constitution.
I am not sure about the derivation of that weird nickname he has.
informalI don't know where that strange nickname of his actually came from.
The student struggled with the mathematical derivation of the complex physics formula.
academicThe student had difficulty showing the logical steps used to create the complex physics formula.
The derivation of profit from our secondary services has increased significantly this quarter.
businessThe process of getting profit from our additional services has grown a lot this period.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
by derivation
according to its origin
word derivation
how a word was constructed
point of derivation
the specific beginning of a process
Often Confused With
Derivation is the process of forming something, while a derivative is the actual object or word that was created.
Deprivation means lacking something necessary, while derivation means getting something from a source.
Usage Notes
In academic writing, use 'derivation' to describe the logic behind a theory or the history of a word. It is more precise than simply saying 'start' or 'beginning'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use the verb 'derive' when the noun 'derivation' is required for the sentence structure. For example, saying 'The derive of the word' instead of 'The derivation of the word'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'River' - just as a river flows from its source, a derivation shows how a word or idea flows from its original root.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'derivatio', which literally means 'a drawing off' (like water from a stream).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The ______ of the scientific theory was documented in the researcher's final report.
Correct!
The correct answer is: derivation
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