derivative
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 5The 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.
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.
His style is a bit derivative, don't you think?
His style is a bit derivative, don't you think?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
The movie's plot felt highly derivative of several 80s sci-fi classics.
everydayThe movie's plot felt highly derivative of several 80s sci-fi classics.
Critics argued that the artist's new collection was merely derivative of 20th-century cubism.
formalCritics argued that the artist's new collection was merely derivative of 20th-century cubism.
His style is a bit derivative, don't you think?
informalHis style is a bit derivative, don't you think?
The study's conclusions were criticized for being derivative of earlier sociological frameworks without adding new insights.
academicThe study's conclusions were criticized for being derivative of earlier sociological frameworks without adding new insights.
The competitor launched a derivative product that offered no unique value proposition to the market.
businessThe competitor launched a derivative product that offered no unique value proposition to the market.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
derivative financial instrument
derivative financial instrument
derivative work
derivative work
derivative nature
derivative nature
Often Confused With
Derivation is the noun describing the process of originating or reaching a source, while derivative is the adjective describing the unoriginal result.
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.
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
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 Vocabulary
Related Words
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