ab|leiten
Translation
to derive, to deduce, to divert, to drain off
Examples
Man kann das Wort vom Lateinischen ableiten.
One can derive the word from Latin.
Der Techniker leitet das Wasser ab.
The technician is draining off the water.
Daraus lässt sich eine Regel ableiten.
A rule can be derived from that.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((from sth.)) to derive sth. from sth. One can derive the meaning from the context.
((sth.)) to divert/drain sth. The river is diverted into a canal.
Similar Words
Synonyms: herleiten (to derive), folgern (to conclude); umleiten (to divert)
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'ab-' (away, from) and the verb 'leiten' (to lead, guide). The core meaning is 'to lead away from'.
Memory Tips
Picture 'leading' (leiten) something 'away' (ab). This applies to diverting a river or deriving a word from its origin.