What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
derivative
Example
The company invested in derivatives to hedge against market volatility. [derivative: noun]
Example
The movie was criticized for being derivative and lacking originality. [derivative: adjective]
Example
The derivative of x^2 is 2x. [derivative: noun]
derived
Example
The medicine is derived from natural plant extracts. [derived: verb]
Example
The English word 'chocolate' is derived from the Aztec word 'xocolatl'. [derived: adjective]
Example
The compound was derived by reacting two chemicals together. [derived: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Derived is more commonly used than derivative in everyday language. Derived is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while derivative is more specialized and may not be familiar to everyone.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between derivative and derived?
Derivative is generally more formal than derived, due to its specialized usage in finance and mathematics. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
