derivation of, derive from

Derivation refers to sources or roots and is always followed by the preposition of.

  • Do you know the derivation of the word “salary”?

Derive can mean “to obtain something” or “to have roots in something,” and is always followed by the preposition from.

  • Although we enjoy canoeing and other water sports, we derive the most pleasure from sailing on the Ottawa River.
  • Many of the English words for live animals derive from Germanic and Anglo-Saxon roots, but our words for their meat are derived from Norman French.

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