What does "derivative" mean?
Something derived.
Derivative
/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something derived.
- Grammar: derivative is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: contingent claim, derived function, derived word, differential.
- Useful contrasts: original, radical, ultimate.
- Usage evidence: To grow the commons of free knowledge and free culture, all users contributing to Tatoeba project are required to grant broad permissions to the general public to re-distribute and re-use their contributions freely, as long as the use is attributed and the same freedom to re-use and re-distribute applies to any derivative works.
How to use "derivative"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "derivative" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "derivative" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "derivative" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "derivative" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "derivative" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "contingent claim" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "derivative", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something derived.
- 2 the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx wordnet
- 3 A word formed by derivation, such as stylish from style.
- 4 (linguistics) a word that is derived from another word wordnet
- 5 A financial instrument whose value depends on the valuation of an underlying asset; such as a warrant, an option etc.
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 a financial instrument whose value is based on another security wordnet
- 7 A chemical derived from another.
- 8 a compound obtained from, or regarded as derived from, another compound wordnet
- 9 One of the two fundamental objects of study in calculus (the other being integration), which quantifies the rate of change, tangency, and other qualities arising from the local behavior of a function.; The derived function of f(x): the function giving the instantaneous rate of change of f; equivalently, the function giving the slope of the line tangent to the graph of f. Written f'(x) or (df)/(dx) in Leibniz's notation, ̇f(x) in Newton's notation (the latter used particularly when the independent variable is time).
"The derivative of x² is 2x; if f(x)#61;x², then f'(x)#61;2x"
- 10 One of the two fundamental objects of study in calculus (the other being integration), which quantifies the rate of change, tangency, and other qualities arising from the local behavior of a function.; The value of such a derived function for a given value of its independent variable: the rate of change of a function at a point in its domain.
"The derivative of f(x)#61;x³ at x#61;2 is 12."
- 11 One of the two fundamental objects of study in calculus (the other being integration), which quantifies the rate of change, tangency, and other qualities arising from the local behavior of a function.; Any of several related generalizations of the derivative: the directional derivative, partial derivative, Fréchet derivative, functional derivative, etc.
- 12 One of the two fundamental objects of study in calculus (the other being integration), which quantifies the rate of change, tangency, and other qualities arising from the local behavior of a function.; The linear operator that maps functions to their derived functions, usually written D; the simplest differential operator.
Adjective
- 1 Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.
"a derivative conveyance"
- 2 Imitative of the work of someone else.
"No, I really felt it was very derivative. To me it it looked like it was straight out of Diane Arbus, but it had none of the wit."
- 3 Referring to a work, such as a translation or adaptation, based on another work that may be subject to copyright restrictions.
- 4 Having a value that depends on an underlying asset of variable value.
Adjective
- 1 resulting from or employing derivation wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"To grow the commons of free knowledge and free culture, all users contributing to Tatoeba project are required to grant broad permissions to the general public to re-distribute and re-use their contributions freely, as long as the use is attributed and the same freedom to re-use and re-distribute applies to any derivative works."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "derivative"?
Common synonyms include: contingent claim, derived function, derived word, differential, accountable, acquired.
How do you use "derivative" in a sentence?
To grow the commons of free knowledge and free culture, all users contributing to Tatoeba project are required to grant broad permissions to the general public to re-distribute and re-use their contributions freely, as long as the use is attributed and the same freedom to re-use and re-distribute applies to any derivative works.
How do you pronounce "derivative"?
Pronounced /dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/.
Etymology
From Middle French dérivatif, from Latin dērīvātus, perfect passive participle of dērīvō (“to derive”). Related to derive; by surface analysis, derive + -ative.