firsthand — obtained or experienced directly from the original source
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: obtained or experienced directly from the original source
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɜːrstˌhænd/
Example Sentences
- The food critic wanted to taste the controversial dish firsthand before writing her review.
- My grandmother has firsthand knowledge of what it's like to survive on kimchi for a week.
- The detective gathered firsthand testimony from witnesses at the crime scene.
firsthand
ADJECTIVE[/ˈfɜːrstˌhænd/]
obtained or experienced directly from the original source
She had read about it for years — but experiencing it firsthand changed everything she thought she knew.
FIRST HAND in — firsthand knowledge starts where the gloves come off. (FIRSTHAND = your FIRST HAND in — before anyone else touches it, before anyone translates it)
Experience firsthand — and you'll understand what you can withstand.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'firsthand' originated from a literal compound meaning 'first hand,' derived from the concept of directly touching and experiencing something without intermediaries. It evolved to describe knowledge or experience obtained directly from the original source rather than through secondary accounts.
Breakdown
first (foremost, primary) + hand (direct physical contact or personal involvement). The compound reflects the metaphorical sense of 'hand' as direct experience or agency.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The food critic wanted to taste the controversial dish firsthand before writing her review.”
“My grandmother has firsthand knowledge of what it's like to survive on kimchi for a week.”
“The detective gathered firsthand testimony from witnesses at the crime scene.”
“I experienced firsthand why my friends warned me about eating too much spicy ramen.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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