What does derivation mean?
Word: Derivation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Derivation means where a word or thing comes from; also the way something is got or developed from a source.
Synonyms: source, root, etymology
How do you spell derivation?
Syllables: der - i - va - tion
Tricky part: The vowel after the first r is i, not e, and there is only one r; derevation and derrivation are the usual slips.
Watch out for: derevation, derrivation, dirivation
Memory tip: The long i of derive turns into a short i in derivation, but the letter itself does not change: it is still an i after the r.
Derivation in a sentence
Example 1: The derivation of the word sandwich can be traced to the Earl of Sandwich.
Example 2: Our teacher asked us to find the derivation of the word breakfast.
Example 3: The book explains the derivation of many place names in Wales.
Fun Fact
The word alphabet has its derivation in Greek, from alpha and beta, the names of the first two letters of the Greek alphabet.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word derivation as used in the sentence:
The derivation of the word pyjamas goes back to Persian words for leg and garment.
a) spelling
b) length
c) origin
d) sound
Show answer
c) origin. The derivation of a word is where it comes from, its origin.
Word Cookie
One letter in this word is not needed. Find it:
derivattion
a) r
b) v
c) o
d) t
Show answer
d) t. Only one t is needed before the ion.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters to find the word that fits the sentence:
The museum guide told us the aionevirtd of the name Mumbai.
a) derivation
b) derivative
c) renovation
d) deviation
Show answer
a) derivation. Deviation has no r, derivative has no o or n, and renovation needs a second o and has no d, so the letters spell derivation.
Spell-o-Spell
Three of these words are spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of the misspelt word:
1. prefix 2. dictionery 3. derivation 4. vocabulary
a) letters added to the start of a word
b) a book of words and their meanings
c) the place a word comes from
d) all the words a person knows
Show answer
b) a book of words and their meanings. Dictionery has an e where its ending needs an a; the other three are correct.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these English words has its derivation in Hindi?
a) umbrella
b) shampoo
c) biscuit
d) chocolate
Show answer
b) shampoo
2. In maths, a derivation shows ____.
a) how a formula is reached
b) which numbers are prime
c) the area of each shape
d) only the final answer
Show answer
a) how a formula is reached
