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

Phil, students get access to free instruments and get the firsthand experience of being in a musical ensemble.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Karandeep Anand, Character.AI’s chief executive, says he saw firsthand during his years working in social media what happened when the industry failed to incorporate safety into the initial design of its products.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“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.

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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