Source — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb adjective /ˈsȯrs/

Meaning & Definition of Source

Source (noun)

  1. a generative force, cause
  2. a point of origin or procurement, beginning
  3. one that initiates, author; also, prototype, model

Source (verb)

  1. to specify the source of (something, such as quoted material)
  2. to obtain from a source

Source (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or being source code

Source (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a point or place at which something is invented or provided

    "we were uncertain as to the source of the rumors"

    "a source of inspiration"

    similar: cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, root, seedbed, spring, well, wellspring
    related: beginning, commencement, dawn, day one, genesis, get-go, inception, incipience, incipiency, kickoff, launch, morning, nascence, nascency, onset, outset, start, threshold, baseline, first base, ground zero, square one

  2. the beginning part of a stream

    "19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile"

    similar: head, headstream, headwater
    related: fountain, fountainhead, geyser, headspring, hot spring, spring, wellspring, branch, feeder, tributary

  3. something mentioned in a text as providing related and especially supporting information

    "the professor asked the students to have at least five different sources for their papers"

    similar: authority, reference
    related: citation, excerpt, extract, quotation, caption, cross-reference, footnote, note

Source (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in reference

    similar: reference, bear out, corroborate, document, substantiate, validate, advert (to), illustrate, name, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), exemplify, represent, adduce, cite, instance, mention, quote

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Source

The most common words with a similar meaning to Source:

cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, root, seedbed, spring, well, wellspring, head, headstream, headwater, authority, reference, bear out, corroborate, document, substantiate, validate, advert (to), illustrate, name, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), exemplify, represent, adduce, cite, instance, mention, quote

Related Words for Source

beginning, commencement, dawn, day one, genesis, get-go, inception, incipience, incipiency, kickoff, launch, morning, nascence, nascency, onset, outset, start, threshold, baseline, first base, ground zero, square one, geyser, headspring, hot spring, branch, feeder, tributary, citation, excerpt

Word Forms of Source

Inflections: sourced, sourcing

Derived words: sourceless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Source

Middle English sours, from Anglo-French surse spring, source, from past participle of surdre to rise, spring forth, from Latin surgere surge

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Source

Words & Phrases Containing Source

source code, source language, open-source, point source, primary source, secondary source

Frequently Asked Questions about Source

What does "Source" mean?

"Source" means a generative force, cause. As an a noun, a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: a generative force, cause. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Source"?

Other words for "Source" include cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, root, seedbed and spring. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Source" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Source"?

There are 69 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Source". Common alternatives include cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, root, seedbed, spring, well and wellspring.

How do you use "Source" in a sentence?

Examples of "Source" in a sentence: "we were uncertain as to the source of the rumors"; "a source of inspiration"; "19th-century explorers who sought the source of the Nile".

Is "Source" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Source" can be used as a noun, a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Source" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Source" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Source"?

"Source" is pronounced /ˈsȯrs/.

What is the origin of the word "Source"?

"Source" comes from Middle English sours, from Anglo-French surse spring, source, from past participle of surdre to rise, spring forth, from Latin surgere surge. First known use: 14th century.