Word
firsthand
Phoneticsfirst·hand, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɝshænd/
UK/fˈɜːsthænd/
Definition
adj. coming directly from your own experience rather than hearing about it from someone else. You use this to describe knowledge you gained by being there yourself.
adj. obtained directly from the original source or through personal experience. Often used attributively before a noun to describe evidence, knowledge, or accounts.
Examples
“She has firsthand experience of the problem.”
“The journalist provided a firsthand account of the events after spending three weeks in the conflict zone.”
“While textbooks provide a theoretical framework, firsthand observation of the chemical reaction in a controlled laboratory setting is essential for a complete understanding of the process.”
Examples
simple
“She has firsthand experience of the problem.”
contextual
“The journalist provided a firsthand account of the events after spending three weeks in the conflict zone.”
complex
“While textbooks provide a theoretical framework, firsthand observation of the chemical reaction in a controlled laboratory setting is essential for a complete understanding of the process.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; can also function as an adverb in the same form.
Real-World Examples
“He referred to this summer’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by the US, and the excitement it provided, adding, “Millions of people across North America experienced that passion firsthand.” “I had an understanding, a firsthand understanding, of how people of color are treated, you know, because I knew that.” Etymology
From first + hand.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/firsthand