Dérive (en. Derivative)

[deʁiv]

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A movement or action that deviates from the initial course.
The drift of the boat took it off its course.
La dérive du bateau l'a éloigné de son cap.
In psychoanalysis, a process by which an idea or desire is directed toward another object.
His emotional drift led him to unexpected behaviors.
Sa dérive affective l'a conduit à des comportements inattendus.
A concept in game theory indicating a strategic change.
The shift in the game surprised all the players.
La dérive dans le jeu a surpris tous les joueurs.

Etymology

From Latin 'derivare', which means 'to flow' or 'to draw from'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to be adrift
To be in a phase of deviation from a normal state.
être en dérive
gentle drift
A situation or period where things progress without pressure.
dérive tranquille
catastrophic drift
A change that carries significant negative consequences.
dérive catastrophique

Related Words

to drift
Producing a derived movement or result.
dériver
derivation
The process of drifting or diverging.
dérivation
deviation
The act of deviating from a normal path or behavior.
déviation

Slang Meanings

Action of changing direction unexpectedly.
He made a drift in his career after that experience.
Il a fait une dérive de sa carrière après cette expérience.
A hazy or disoriented state of mind.
After that evening, I was completely adrift.
Après cette soirée, j'étais en pleine dérive.