# define vs derive

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### define
*verb · IPA /dɪˈfaɪn/ · frequency rank #4,224*
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.

### derive
*verb · IPA /dɪˈɹaɪv/ · frequency rank #14,737*
To obtain or receive (something) from something else.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/define-vs-derive