source
The person, place, or thing from which something (information, goods, etc.) comes or is acquired.
Word facts
Definition of Source
Spring; fountainhead; wellhead; any collection of water on or under the surface of the ground in which a stream originates.
Example sentences
The accused refused to reveal the source of the illegal drugs she was selling.
The main sources of the Euphrates River are the Karasu and Murat Rivers.
Using Source well
A closer look at how source is used — meaning in plain English, how close synonyms differ, and examples at different levels.
The place, person, or thing that something comes from or originates in.
Use it to name where something starts or where information, materials, or supplies come from. In research and journalism it specifically means the origin of information; as a verb it means to obtain or find something.
Common in journalism, research and citations, supply chains, nutrition ('a good source of iron'), and business procurement.
Do not confuse 'source' with 'sauce'; they sound alike but 'source' is an origin, while 'sauce' is a liquid you put on food. In writing, also keep 'source' (origin) distinct from 'resource' (a supply you can draw on).
- origin
- more abstract; the starting point or root, less about supply
- root
- emphasizes the deepest underlying cause
- supplier
- narrower; a source specifically of goods or services in business
- wellspring
- literary and positive; an abundant, ongoing source
- provenance
- formal; the documented origin and history of an object
- outcome
- what comes out at the end rather than where it began
- endpoint
- the destination, the opposite end from the source
- Beginner The river's source is high up in the mountains.
- In writing The reporter refused to name her source, citing a promise of confidentiality.
- Advanced Tracing the rumour back to its source proved harder than anyone expected, since each person had heard it from someone else.
A river's source is where it starts — trace anything back far enough and you reach its source.
Synonyms for Source
Related words
Words closely connected to Source in meaning or use:
Words that rhyme with Source
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does source mean?
The person, place, or thing from which something (information, goods, etc.) comes or is acquired. It is a noun.
How many syllables does source have?
Source has 1 syllable. It is pronounced as a single beat: source.
What part of speech is source?
Source is used as a noun. As a noun, it names a thing, idea, or concept.
What are synonyms for source?
Words with similar meanings to source include channel, reference, root, seed. The best synonym depends on the exact context you are writing or reading in.
How do you use source in a sentence?
Example: "The accused refused to reveal the source of the illegal drugs she was selling."