source

UK: sɔːs | US: sɔːrs

Definition

  1. n. a place, person, or thing from which something originates

  2. n. a spring or fountainhead of water

  3. vt. to obtain from a particular origin

Structure
sour <rise>
Etymology

The word "source" traces back to Old French sourse (spring, rising), derived from Latin surgere (to rise). The morpheme sour- reflects the idea of upward movement (as in water emerging from the ground), while -ce is a reduced form linked to Latin verbal endings. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to include any origin or starting point.

Examples

  1. The Nile River’s source is Lake Victoria.

  2. She cited a reputable source in her research paper.

  3. The journalist refused to reveal his sources.

  4. Solar energy is a sustainable power source.

  5. The company sources its materials from local suppliers.