primary source

[prahym-er-ee sawrs, sohrs] / ˈpraɪm ɛr i ˈsɔrs, ˈsoʊrs /

NOUN

text, account, source others are based on

Synonyms

STRONG

eyewitness eyewitness account first-hand first-hand account first-hand report horse's mouth immediate source on-the-scene report on-the-scene reporter original account original source original text source text text of origin unmediated account

WEAK

observer witness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

primary source

Founder Shayne Evans gathered staff for a presentation that announced Amistad Financial would become the primary source of funding for the organization, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026

A primary source of pressure on margins for Apple is the rising cost of memory components.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

The staffer said that examiners were no longer allowed to access the primary source level data and could only “check the checker now,” meaning they must rely on a company’s own findings.

From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2026

Nectar supplies mostly sugar, while pollen is their primary source of protein.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 19, 2026

I took a single primary source, Maggie’s 1888 New York World confession, as the truth.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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