SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
derivative
adjective
Based heavily on another work or source and lacking originality.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
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A useful distinction
Alternatives apply to the displayed meaning. Related wording may differ in tone or grammar and is not always interchangeable.
Based heavily on another work or source and lacking originality
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
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Usage distinction
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CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See derivative in use
The film was polished but derivative.
Her early sketches seemed derivative until she developed a distinctive style.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license