Source Meaning

UK /sɔːs/
US /sɔːrs/
Word Definition
source meaning

Source Definition & Usage

noun

A place, person, or thing from which something originates or is obtained.

Examples

  • "The river is the source of all the water in the valley."
  • "Can you tell me the source of this information?"
  • "The source of the noise was a car parked outside."
  • "The company is working to find new sources of energy."
  • "The book cites many sources, including interviews with experts."
noun

A device or system that generates or supplies energy or power.

Examples

  • "The solar panels are the primary source of electricity for the building."
  • "Hydroelectric dams are a significant source of renewable energy."
  • "The source of power for this device is a lithium-ion battery."
  • "The computer source code is written in Python."
  • "The light source in the microscope allows for better visibility."
verb

To obtain or supply something from a particular place, person, or system.

Examples

  • "The chef sourced the ingredients from local farmers."
  • "We need to source more materials for the project."
  • "Where did you source this artwork from?"
  • "They sourced the data from multiple research studies."
  • "The company sources its products from overseas manufacturers."

Cultural Context

The term 'source' is frequently used across various fields, from everyday conversation to scientific research. It has roots in the Latin word 'surgere', meaning 'to rise'. This explains its broad usage, often linked to things that are the origin or beginning of something. For example, the source of a river, the source of news, or the source of energy.

The Hidden Source

Story

The Hidden Source

In a small town nestled between rolling hills, there was a mysterious stream that provided water to everyone in the village. But one summer, the stream began to dry up. Mayor Sarah was deeply concerned and decided to investigate the source of the water. One evening, she gathered a team of engineers and local experts. They hiked to the top of the hills, determined to trace the water back to its origin. As they reached a clearing, Sarah asked, 'So, where do you think the source of the stream is?' An old local man named Jack, who had lived in the town for decades, answered, 'Well, I've heard rumors that the true source is deep within the forest, hidden from all eyes.' The team decided to push forward. As they ventured deeper into the woods, they found that the water came from an underground spring, a hidden source no one had known about for generations. The engineers confirmed that the spring had been blocked by debris, causing the stream to dry up. 'Now that we've discovered the source,' Sarah said, 'we can take steps to ensure that the water flows freely again.' Meanwhile, a journalist from the town’s newspaper was following the story and was eager to publish an article about the discovery. He interviewed Sarah and the locals. 'The source of this issue was always close to us, but hidden,' he said, 'and now, we know where it all began.' Back in the village, Sarah spoke at a town meeting, explaining how they had sourced the problem and found a solution. She ended her speech by saying, 'In every challenge, finding the right source of the problem is the first step to solving it.' The village rejoiced as the water began to flow again, and Sarah was hailed as a hero for her determination. Yet, even in moments of triumph, the real lesson was clear: understanding the source of an issue always leads to a better solution.

The Hidden Source