Question

… these things are important not because a high-sounding interpretation can be put upon them but because they are useful. When they become so derivative as to become unintelligible, the same thing may be said for all of us, that we do not admire what we cannot understand —“Poetry,” Marianne Moore de riv a tive noun — something based on another source Based on context and the definition above, what does derivative mean in this poem?

Answer 1

Based on the context and the definition, the word 'derivative' makes reference to something that is not the result of an original idea, but something that has been based on something else.

In this excerpt from "Poetry" by Marianne Moore, 'derivative' is used as an adjective in order to describe "things". 'Derivative' is used to refer to something that does not offer new ideas because it has been developed from something else. It has a negative connotation since it is used to criticize something. Moreover, in this excerpt, it is highly connected to the idea of  unintelligibility.

Answer 2

Answer: A or first choice - lacking originality

Explanation:

I just got it right!