Derivatively

Derivatively is an adverb that indicates something is derived from another source or produced by a process of derivation. It is used to describe forms, ideas, or actions that originate from a source rather than being original creations. In English, derivatively is most common in linguistic analysis and discussions of derivative works.

In linguistics and morphology, a derivational process forms new words from existing stems by affixation or compounding. A word described as derivatively formed has been created by such a derivational step rather than by simple inflection. For example, happiness is a derivatively formed noun derived from the adjective happy through the derivational suffix -ness.

In copyright and media contexts, derivative works are those based on protected material. An adaptation, translation, or fan work may be described as being created derivatively from a source text. In these settings, derivatively is used to emphasize dependence on the original work rather than originality.

Etymology: derivatively is the adverbial form of derivative, from Latin derivativus, from derivare “to derive,” with the English suffix -ly forming the adverb. The term is common in linguistic and textual discussions; in mathematics and other domains, the base term derivative is used, and derivatively is less common.