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

“Tarte Philippe, the indescribable dessert . . .” Penelope stopped, for it occurred to her that it might be wise to downplay her firsthand knowledge of this tasty treat.

Read more on Literature

From the time the Antikythera wreck was first discovered, those who have seen it firsthand have been impressed with the amount of wreckage and how large the ancient sunken vessel seems to have been.

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Mr. Century, a veteran investigative journalist, has drawn on those writings, as well as many other firsthand accounts, to give his narrative a rich, novelistic sheen.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That being said, a responsibility toward pragmatic reality must be respected, and there are times when empathy and emotional support are not enough — especially because you have already seen his abusive behavior firsthand.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The country has seen the impact of climate change firsthand, including a recent string of its worst wildfire seasons on record.

Read more on BBC