Derivative Meaning
/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjObtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.
adjImitative of the work of someone else.
Sentence Examples
The two main operations in calculus are the integral and the derivative.
The derivative of a constant function is always zero.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The artist's work was considered a mere ____ of an earlier famous painting.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The two main operations in calculus are the integral and the ____.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French dérivatif, from Latin dērīvātus, perfect passive participle of dērīvō (“to derive”). Related to derive; by surface analysis, derive + -ative.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"People started talking about the pandemic as if it were itself a television show; as the second wave hit last fall, they griped about the derivative writing on Covid Season 2."
— 2021 April 27, Amanda Hess, “Inject the Vaccine Fan Fiction Directly Into My Veins”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
"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."
— 1979, Woody Allen, Manhattan, spoken by Mary (Diane Keaton):
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The artist's work was considered a mere ____ of an earlier famous painting.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The two main operations in calculus are the integral and the ____.