The word "crowdsourced" (IPA: /kraʊdsoʊrst/) is a compound word made up of "crowd" and "sourced". The pronunciation of the word reflects this, with stress on the first syllable and a clear separation between the two parts. The spelling of the word reflects its meaning, which is to obtain information or services by soliciting contributions from a large group of people, often through the internet. As such, "crowdsourced" has become an increasingly common term in the digital age.
Crowdsourced, an adjective derived from the phrase "crowdsource," refers to a process or task that involves obtaining information, ideas, or services from a large group of people, typically through an online platform or community. It is a collaborative approach that harnesses the collective wisdom, expertise, and efforts of a crowd or community rather than relying solely on the input of a few individuals or experts.
In a crowdsourced process, individuals or organizations present a problem, question, or challenge to a broad audience, inviting contributions, suggestions, or solutions. This method enables a diverse and extensive range of people to participate, often leading to a richer and more varied outcome. Crowdsourcing promotes open collaboration, inclusivity, and access to different perspectives.
Crowdsourced projects can take various forms, including idea generation, content creation, data collection, problem-solving, or even funding initiatives. Examples of crowdsourcing platforms include online forums, social media platforms, or specialized websites designed to facilitate such tasks.
This approach has gained popularity due to its potential for cost-effectiveness, rapid results, and the ability to tap into the collective intelligence and creativity of large communities. By engaging a larger crowd, crowdsourcing seeks to leverage the collective power of individuals and make use of their diverse talents, knowledge, and experiences in order to tackle challenges or accomplish a specific goal.
Overall, the concept of crowdsourced emphasizes the involvement and contribution of a large number of people to collectively accomplish a common objective, harnessing the potential of online collaboration and community participation.
The word "crowdsourced" is derived from two components: "crowd" and "sourced".
1. "Crowd": It originates from the Old English word "crud" or "crowd", which referred to a large group of people. Over time, it evolved into its current form, representing a multitude of individuals gathering together for a common purpose.
2. "Sourced": The term "source" is derived from the Old French word "sourcer" and the Latin word "surga", meaning "to rise or come forth". "Source" refers to the origin or cause of something.
When these two components are combined, "crowdsourced" describes a process of obtaining information, services, or content from a large group of people, typically through an online platform.