English · Word Candidate

derivative

/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: derivatives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.

Adjective

a derivative conveyance

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Imitative of the work of someone else.

Adjective

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Something derived.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A word formed by derivation, such as stylish from style.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “derivative” mean?

Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.

Is “derivative” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.