source
Definitions
The place, person, or thing that something comes from or originates in.
来源，源头，出处。
A person or document that supplies information, especially to a journalist.
（信息的）消息来源，资料来源。
To obtain materials, goods, or services from a particular supplier.
（从某处）采购，获取。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin surgere (to rise, spring up) via Old French — originally the spot where a river's water rises from the ground. Generalized to any origin: source of a river, source of income, news source. The modern verb 'to source' means to go back to a supplier to obtain something.
Root source still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Common collocation 'a source of + noun' (a source of energy, stress, pride). In journalism, 'a source' means an informant — 'sources say' signals unnamed insiders. The verb sense (to source from) is business English and almost always takes 'from.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Always check that your source is reliable before quoting it.
- 2.
Tourism is the island's main source of income.
- 3.
The company sources its coffee beans directly from farmers.