derivative
imitative of others' work and lacking originality
Word origin: From Latin derivare, to draw off, from rivus, stream.
Derivative in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing derivative in a sentence.
Critics dismissed the film as a derivative copy of earlier hits.
Critics dismissed the band's debut as derivative, hearing little in it that earlier groups had not already done.
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Verbal · Sentence Equivalence
Critics complained that the documentary's narration was relentlessly blank, hammering home its single thesis so often that viewers felt lectured rather than informed.
Using “derivative” well
As an adjective, derivative is a criticism: it means imitative and lacking originality, pairing with unoriginal and secondhand. The unrelated noun derivative carries neutral senses in finance and mathematics.
More GRE words starting with D
to engage in something superficially or as a casual pastime
a raised platform for speakers or honored guests
to waste time or act without urgency
to make something slightly wet, or to make a feeling or reaction less strong
marked with spots or patches of color or light
to intimidate or discourage with fear or doubt
to move slowly or waste time idly
a scarcity or shortage of something
Questions about “derivative”
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