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Source Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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source

[sɔrs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

news reporting

A person who reports news from a particular source or location.

Synonyms

informant, informer, reporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
source

Use 'source' when referring to the origin of information, data, or materials, especially in a neutral or academic context.

  • The primary source of the data was a government database.
  • Journalists must verify their sources before publishing a story.
reporter

A 'reporter' is used to refer to a person who writes news stories or articles for newspapers, magazines, or news broadcasts. It is a neutral, professional term.

  • The reporter covered the election results live from the campaign headquarters.
  • As a seasoned reporter, she always asked the tough questions.
informant

An 'informant' is typically used in legal or police contexts to describe someone who provides information, often secretly, about criminal activities. It can have a secretive or slightly negative connotation.

  • The police arrested the gang after receiving a tip from an informant.
  • The journalist used an informant to gather information for the investigative report.
informer

An 'informer' is similar to 'informant' but has a more negative connotation. It often implies betrayal or disloyalty, especially in criminal or political contexts.

  • The mob considered him a traiter because he became an informer for the police.
  • Historical records reveal that the informer was a close associate of the betrayed leader.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist is a trusted source for accurate information.
  • She interviewed various sources for her article.
Context #2 | Noun

origin

The point or place from which something comes.

Synonyms

cause, origin, starting point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
source

Used when referring to the place or thing from which something comes or can be obtained.

  • The source of the information was reliable
  • They traced the source of the river
origin

Used to refer to the point where something begins or is created, often emphasizing the beginnings or ancestry.

  • She is interested in the origin of human languages
  • The origin of the custom dates back to ancient times
starting point

Used to describe the initial place or time from which something begins, often used in planning or problem-solving.

  • The meeting served as a starting point for the project
  • This data can be a good starting point for further research
cause

Used when talking about an event, condition or reason that brings about a result.

  • The cause of the accident is still under investigation
  • Smoking is a common cause of lung disease

Examples of usage

  • The river has its source in the mountains.
  • The company imports goods from foreign sources.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'source'

The word 'source' originated from the Old French word 'sorche', which meant 'spring' or 'fountain'. It later evolved to mean the origin or starting point of something. In the context of news reporting, 'source' refers to a person providing information for a news story.

See also: sour, sourly, sourness.

Word Frequency Rank

At #645 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.