firsthand

Or first-hand

[furst-hand]

adverb

1. from the first or original source.

   We heard the news of the accident firsthand from a witness.

adjective

1. of or relating to the first or original source.

2. direct from the original source.

   firsthand knowledge of the riot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of firsthand¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; first + hand

Example Sentences

Julia, who asked to use a pseudonym due to her undocumented status, has seen firsthand the ways that individual actions have been kind to her.

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And so I turned to a few top sommeliers whose professionalism I’ve experienced firsthand.

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“My little baby nieces … firsthand witnesses to history.”

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“Over the years, I’ve had many up and downs with my tinnitus, and I know from firsthand experience just how difficult it can get,” he said, later encouraging viewers to donate to the nonprofit.

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As someone young enough to have witnessed Butler’s emergent days as a Nickelodeon and Disney Channel teen heartthrob firsthand, I’ll admit that I never quite understood the appeal.

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