Derivative
mediumNegative tonedih-RIV-uh-tiv
adjective
Definition
unoriginal; imitative of someone else's work
Memory hook
deRIVative: it's 'derived' from another's RIVer of ideas, so it just flows from a source, never original.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Critics dismissed the band's debut as derivative, a pale echo of earlier acts.”
“Her thesis felt derivative, recycling arguments without adding anything new.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Critics dismissed the band's debut as ______, a pale echo of earlier acts.”
Show answer
derivative
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Derivative is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "unoriginal" or "imitative" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "original".
Related GRE Words
caustic
bitingly sarcastic or sharply critical (also chemically corrosive)
condone
to overlook, forgive, or tacitly approve of an offense
fawn
to flatter or seek favor through servile behavior
mercenary
motivated chiefly by a desire for money or personal gain
precocious
showing mature qualities at an unusually early age
presumptuous
overstepping proper bounds; arrogantly bold
Master derivative and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.