derivation

Everyday

1. The derivation of a word is where it comes from and how it was made, for example from Latin or from another English word. tree →
2. (maths) A derivation is a step-by-step working that shows how a formula or answer is reached. tree →
3. (formal) Derivation is getting something from a source, like getting a product from a plant. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons it is about word origins (etymology) and making new words with prefixes and suffixes: «happiness» is derived from «happy». In maths and science, a derivation shows how a rule is worked out from other rules. It tells the reader where something comes from. Phrases: «of Latin derivation», «the derivation of a formula».

Examples

• The derivation of «tele» is a Greek word meaning «far». tree →
• «Unkind» is a derivation from «kind». tree →
• The word «sandwich» has an interesting derivation. tree →
• Show the derivation of the area formula. tree →
• The teacher wrote the derivation on the board step by step. tree →
• Many English words are of French derivation. tree →
• The derivation of rubber from trees takes a lot of work. tree →

Note

Countable: a derivation, derivations. Verb: derive (derive from); adjective: derivative, derived. In grammar, derivation (making new words: kind → kindness) is different from inflection (changing the form of the same word: kind → kinder). «Etymology» is the study of word origins.

In Jewish tradition

In English lessons it is about word origins (etymology) and making new words with prefixes and suffixes: «happiness» is derived from «happy». In maths and science, a derivation shows how a rule is worked out from other rules. It tells the reader where something comes from. Phrases: «of Latin derivation», «the derivation of a formula».

Examples

• Many offspring or derivations came from the latter three, as their progenitors, as it is explained afterwards in the chapter. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Countable: a derivation, derivations. Verb: derive (derive from); adjective: derivative, derived. In grammar, derivation (making new words: kind → kindness) is different from inflection (changing the form of the same word: kind → kinder). «Etymology» is the study of word origins.