firsthand

American  

[furst-hand] / ˈfɜrstˈhænd /

Or first-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.

Etymology

Origin of firsthand

First recorded in 1690–1700; first + hand

Example Sentences

As someone who ran a digitally centered campaign for president, I’ve seen this effect firsthand—on myself and my competitors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Scientists experienced this firsthand in 2013, when they were asked to analyze tiny fragments of moss to help determine where a body had been buried.

From Science Daily

On the other side of the world, Tran has seen the results of ICE’s actions firsthand.

From Salon

I know this firsthand, having traveled to comfort victims of terror in Argentina, Paris and Turkey, and as a clergy first responder at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001.

From The Wall Street Journal

Slyly, he told the lawyer he couldn’t possibly connect him with a grad student until he had seen the situation firsthand.

From The Wall Street Journal