1.derive的基本意思是“起源”,强调事先就存在于另一种形式、另一人或一事物之中而承袭下来。承袭的方式多种多样,如遗传、转让、捐赠、继承、推理等。引申可表示“获得”“取得”,指主动的从某处得到某物,为正式用语。
2.derive不论是用作不及物动词,还是用作及物动词,都与介词from搭配使用,表示“从…得到或派生”。
3.derive作“取得”“获得”解时,可接乐趣、利益、知识等抽象名词作宾语。

derive from (v.+prep.)
由…起源 take as a starting-point, source or origin from
▲derive from sth
The word derives from French.这个词来自法语。
English derives in the main from the common Germanic stock.英语主要源于日耳曼语系。
His popularity derives from his easiness.他讨人喜欢是由于他为人随和。
▲derive sth from sb/sth/ｖ-ing
We can derive great pleasure from our studies.我们可以从读书研究中获得极大的乐趣。
He derived his enthusiasm for literature from his father.他对文学的爱好是受他父亲的影响。
A scholar derives knowledge from reading.学者读书获得知识。
◇ 用于be ～ed 结构
Many English words are derived from Latin and Greek.英语很多词源自于拉丁文和希腊文。

derive, arise, emanate, originate, proceed, spring, stem
参见spring条。
derive, get
参见get条。
derive, trace
参见trace条。