source
saws
Source (noun) means the place, person, or thing that something originates from. Example: “Solar power is a renewable source of energy.”
noun
1
The place, person, or thing that something originates from.
"Solar power is a renewable source of energy."
"The journalist refused to reveal her source."
"Oranges are a good source of vitamin C."
2
The point where a river or stream begins.
"The river's source is a small spring high in the mountains."
"Walkers hiked up to find the source of the stream."
"The source of the river is marked by a stone."
verb
1
To obtain something, especially for a business.
"The bakery sources its flour from a local mill."
"We source our vegetables from farms near the shop."
"The café sourced its coffee beans directly from small growers."
How to use source
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhere something comes from — information, water, materials — or the act of obtaining it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
source of income
reliable source
source materials locally
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Word forms
- Plural
- sources
- Third person singular
- sources
- Past tense
- sourced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Solar power is a renewable _____ of energy.
Etymology
From Old French sourse ("a rising, a spring"), from Latin surgere ("to rise") — the same root that gives us "surge."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for source
See all rhymes for source →Frequently asked questions
What does “source” mean?
The word “source” means the place, person, or thing that something originates from. In plain terms, where something comes from — information, water, materials — or the act of obtaining it.
How do you pronounce “source”?
“Source” is pronounced saws (/sɔɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “source” in a sentence?
Here is “source” used in a sentence: “Solar power is a renewable source of energy.”
What is another word for “source”?
Words with a similar meaning to “source” include wellspring and parentage.
What is the opposite of “source”?
The opposite of “source” — its antonyms — is sink.
What part of speech is “source”?
Depending on how it is used, “source” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “source” come from?
The word “source” comes from Latin. From Old French sourse ("a rising, a spring"), from Latin surgere ("to rise") — the same root that gives us "surge.".
Is “source” a common word?
“Source” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?
A primary source is original, first-hand material — an eyewitness account, a diary, raw data, or an original document. A secondary source describes, analyses, or comments on primary material, like a textbook or review article. Primary sources are closest to the event; secondary sources interpret them after the fact.
What is the difference between a source and an origin?
The words overlap heavily. Origin is the single point where something first begins. Source is where something comes from or flows out of — and can also mean an ongoing supplier, like a source of income or a news source. Every origin is a source, but a source need not be the very beginning.
What is the source of a river?
A river's source is the place where it begins — often a spring, melting glacier, or mountain lake high in the landscape. From there the water flows downhill toward the sea. It is the opposite end from the mouth, where the river empties out. 'Source' here shows the word's core sense: where something originates.
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