C1 adjective Neutral

derivative

/dɪˈrɪv.ə.tɪv/

Describes something that is imitative of the work of another person or based on something else, often used with a negative connotation. It implies a lack of originality or innovation in the creation of a work, idea, or product.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The movie's plot felt highly derivative of several 80s sci-fi classics.

The movie's plot felt highly derivative of several 80s sci-fi classics.

2

Critics argued that the artist's new collection was merely derivative of 20th-century cubism.

Critics argued that the artist's new collection was merely derivative of 20th-century cubism.

3

His style is a bit derivative, don't you think?

His style is a bit derivative, don't you think?

Word Family

Noun
derivation
Verb
derive
Adverb
derivatively
Adjective
derivative
Related
derivative
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'derive.' If something is derivative, it is 'derived' from something else rather than being built from scratch.

Quick Quiz

The young novelist was disappointed when reviewers described her debut book as ________ of better-known fantasy epics.

Correct!

The correct answer is: derivative

Examples

1

The movie's plot felt highly derivative of several 80s sci-fi classics.

everyday

The movie's plot felt highly derivative of several 80s sci-fi classics.

2

Critics argued that the artist's new collection was merely derivative of 20th-century cubism.

formal

Critics argued that the artist's new collection was merely derivative of 20th-century cubism.

3

His style is a bit derivative, don't you think?

informal

His style is a bit derivative, don't you think?

4

The study's conclusions were criticized for being derivative of earlier sociological frameworks without adding new insights.

academic

The study's conclusions were criticized for being derivative of earlier sociological frameworks without adding new insights.

5

The competitor launched a derivative product that offered no unique value proposition to the market.

business

The competitor launched a derivative product that offered no unique value proposition to the market.

Word Family

Noun
derivation
Verb
derive
Adverb
derivatively
Adjective
derivative
Related
derivative

Common Collocations

highly derivative highly derivative
derivative work derivative work
derivative style derivative style
derivative of derivative of
largely derivative largely derivative

Common Phrases

derivative financial instrument

derivative financial instrument

derivative work

derivative work

derivative nature

derivative nature

Often Confused With

derivative vs derivation

Derivation is the noun describing the process of originating or reaching a source, while derivative is the adjective describing the unoriginal result.

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Usage Notes

While 'derivative' can be a neutral technical term in mathematics or finance, in art and literature, it is almost always a criticism meaning the creator lacks their own ideas.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'derivative' when they simply mean 'related to.' Remember that as a descriptor for creative work, it usually carries a negative judgment of being unoriginal.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'derive.' If something is derivative, it is 'derived' from something else rather than being built from scratch.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'derivativus', from 'derivare', meaning to draw off a stream from its source.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective (a derivative work) Used as a predicative adjective (the music is derivative of pop) Can function as a countable noun in finance or linguistics
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Cultural Context

In Western art criticism, being called 'derivative' is a significant insult to an artist's professional integrity and creative worth.

Quick Quiz

The young novelist was disappointed when reviewers described her debut book as ________ of better-known fantasy epics.

Correct!

The correct answer is: derivative

Related Words

badly

A1

In a way that is not good, effective, or successful. It can also be used to mean 'very much' when you want or need something a lot.

lineup

A1

A lineup is a group of people or things organized in a specific order for an event or purpose. It is often used to describe players on a sports team, performers at a concert, or a list of products.

thoughtful

A1

Thoughtful describes someone who is kind and thinks about the needs or feelings of others. It can also describe a person who is thinking deeply or carefully about a specific subject.

skull

A1

The skull is the hard, bony structure that forms the head in humans and animals. Its main purpose is to protect the brain and support the shape of the face.

recipient

A1

A recipient is a person or group that receives something, such as a letter, a gift, or an award. It is a formal way to describe the person on the receiving end of an action or object.

shy

A1

Shy describes a person who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or timid around other people. It often involves a lack of confidence in social situations or a hesitation to speak and interact with strangers.

shorts

A1

Shorts are a type of clothing worn on the lower part of the body that covers the hips and the tops of the legs. They are typically worn in warm weather or during physical activities like sports and exercise.

meadow

A1

A meadow is a field covered with grass and often wildflowers. It is a natural area where grass is allowed to grow freely, often used for animals to graze or for people to enjoy nature.

disrupt

A1

To stop something from happening in the normal way or to cause a problem that interrupts a process. It is often used when an event or a system is forced to change its usual flow.

scary

A1

Something that is scary makes you feel afraid or frightened. It is often used to describe things like horror movies, monsters, or dangerous situations that cause a feeling of fear.

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