source
C1Neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
The point of origin or cause of something; the place or person from which something begins, arises, or is obtained.
A person, document, or organization that provides information or evidence; in computing, the original code from which a program is compiled; the spring from which a river rises; the provider of a resource.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun. The abstract sense of 'origin' is common, but the word also retains concrete meanings (e.g., a water source, a historical document). The verb meaning 'to obtain from a particular place' is most common in business and journalism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. 'Sourcing' as a verb/noun is equally common in business contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In academic and journalistic contexts, 'a reliable source' carries the same positive connotation of credibility.
Frequency
Equally high-frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
source of [NOUN]source [something] from [place/supplier]according to a sourcetrace the source ofVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At source (dealing with something at its point of origin)”
- “Go to the source (seek information from the original provider)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to procurement. 'We need to source these components locally to reduce costs.'
Academic
Refers to bibliography and evidence. 'The historian consulted numerous primary sources.'
Everyday
Refers to origin or cause. 'The source of the bad smell was a blocked drain.'
Technical
In computing: source code. In engineering: a point of supply (power source).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company sources its timber from sustainably managed forests.
- Where did you source that lovely fabric?
American English
- The restaurant sources its beef from local ranchers.
- We need to source a new supplier for these parts.
adverb
British English
- The issue was dealt with at source to prevent recurrence.
American English
- The tax is collected at source for most employees.
adjective
British English
- Source code must be documented clearly.
- The source material for the film is a novel.
American English
- Make sure your source documents are cited.
- The source files are in the main directory.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Fruit is a good source of vitamins.
- The river's source is in the mountains.
- What is the source of this information?
- We need to find a new source of income.
- The journalist refused to reveal her confidential sources.
- The root cause, or source, of the conflict was a misunderstanding.
- The researcher meticulously cited every primary source in her dissertation.
- The government aims to source 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SOURCE as the starting point of a RIVER's COURSE. All three words share the idea of a beginning path.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORIGINS ARE SPRINGS/FOUNTAINS (e.g., 'a source of inspiration', 'the source of the problem'). KNOWLEDGE IS WATER FROM A SOURCE (e.g., 'I got it from a good source').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'resource' (ресурс). A 'source' is the origin, a 'resource' is what you use from it.
- The verb 'to source' does not have a direct single-word equivalent in Russian; it translates as 'закупать у', 'получать от'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'source' as an uncountable noun (*'a lot of source'*). It is countable: 'many sources'.
- Confusing 'source' with 'sauce' in pronunciation/writing.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'source' most likely to be used as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral and used in all registers, from everyday conversation ('a source of light') to formal academic writing ('historical sources').
'Origin' often focuses more on the abstract starting point in time or history (the origin of a species). 'Source' often implies a more tangible or specific point from which something flows or is obtained (the source of a river, a news source). They are often interchangeable.
Yes, commonly in business and journalism. It means 'to obtain from a particular supplier or place' (e.g., 'We source our materials ethically').
It is an idiom meaning 'at the point of origin or cause'. For example, 'The problem should be stopped at source' or 'Tax is deducted at source' (deducted before the income is paid).
Collections
Part of a collection
Media Analysis
B2 · 49 words · Critically analyzing media and information.