derivative
/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/
Definitions
- (adjective)
- Imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of; not original GRE
- (noun)
- Something that is based on another source GRE
Example in Context
Critics dismissed the novel as derivative, pointing out its obvious debt to several well-known works published in the previous decade.
Synonyms
Etymology
Something drawn off from another source; lacking originality.
- derivare (Latin) — to draw off
Memory Aid
🎨Sounds like “derivative sounds like 'derivative-art'”
Imagine an artist proudly displaying their DERIVATIVE painting, which is just a copy of a famous masterpiece with stick figures!
Visual Association
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “derivative” mean on the GRE?
derivative (adjective) means “Imitative of the work of another person, and usually disapproved of; not original”. Critics dismissed the novel as derivative, pointing out its obvious debt to several well-known works published in the previous decade.
How to remember “derivative” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “derivative” sounds like “derivative sounds like 'derivative-art'”. Imagine an artist proudly displaying their DERIVATIVE painting, which is just a copy of a famous masterpiece with stick figures!
What are synonyms for “derivative”?
Common synonyms: unoriginal, copied, imitative.