Definition of draw from

The phrase "draw from" is a phrasal verb in the English language, meaning "to take or obtain something from a source." The origin of this phrase dates back to the Middle English period, around the 14th century, when its more literal meaning was "to draw liquid from a container." At this time, drawing was often a medicinal process, as people would extract medicinal substances from plants or animals through the use of a syringe or other withdrawable instrument. This meaning of drawing was still in use during the Renaissance era, which saw an increase in alchemical and medical experiments. As the English language evolved, the meaning of "draw from" began to expand beyond just drawing medicinal substances. Today, it is used in a variety of contexts, such as "drawing inspiration from" a particular source, "drawing conclusions from" evidence or data, and "drawing strength from" a positive experience or person. The versatility of this phrase can be attributed to its roots as a medical term, as drawing often involves obtaining something useful or beneficial from a source, whether that source is a container, a person, or a situation. In summary, the origin of the phrase "draw from" can be traced back to the medieval period, when it referred specifically to drawing medicinal substances from containers. As the English language evolved, its meaning broadened to encompass a range of usages that reflect the concept of obtaining something useful or beneficial from a source.