How Do You Spell FIRSTHAND?

Pronunciation: [fˈɜːsthand] (IPA)

The word firsthand is spelled as /ˈfərstˌhænd/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The "f" sound is followed by the schwa sound (/ə/) in the first syllable, and the "s" sound is followed by the "t" sound (/t/) in the second syllable. This word means directly perceived or experienced with one's own senses, knowledge, or participation. People often use this word when sharing their own experiences or when seeking information firsthand rather than secondhand.

FIRSTHAND Meaning and Definition

1. Firsthand is an adjective that describes information, experiences, or observations obtained directly from personal involvement or direct perception, without any intermediaries. It refers to knowledge or accounts that are acquired or received by a person who has personally experienced or witnessed something, as opposed to hearing about it from others or reading or hearing it secondhand.

   When a person has firsthand knowledge, it means they have directly encountered or participated in an event, situation, or occurrence. This direct involvement gives firsthand information a unique level of authenticity and reliability because it is based on direct experience. It allows individuals to provide accurate and detailed accounts of what they have witnessed or experienced.

   In various contexts, firsthand accounts can have significant value and are highly sought after, such as in journalism, historical research, legal proceedings, or personal testimonies. Hearing or reading something firsthand allows one to trust the information more, as it originates from individuals who were directly involved and therefore have firsthand knowledge about the subject matter.

   Overall, firsthand is a term that emphasizes the direct involvement and firsthand experience of an individual, making it an important aspect for assessing the reliability and authenticity of information or accounts.

Common Misspellings for FIRSTHAND

• firsthalf
• firsthard
• wisthand
• firstand
• dirsthand
• cirsthand
• virsthand
• girsthand
• tirsthand
• rirsthand
• fursthand
• fjrsthand
• firshand
• firstthand
• Firsdtand
• virthandi
• Firstound

Etymology of FIRSTHAND

The word "firsthand" originated in the early 19th century and is derived from the combination of two words: "first" and "hand". The word "first" comes from the Old English word "fyrst", which means "foremost" or "before all others". It originated from the Proto-Germanic word *furisto, which further stems from the Proto-Indo-European root *per-, meaning "forward" or "through". Over time, the word "first" came to be associated with being the initial or primary experience.The word "hand" itself has a different origin from the Old English word "hond", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *khanduz. This term traces its roots back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ḱem-. Throughout history, the term "hand" has denoted direct contact, physical involvement, and personal experience.

Similar spelling words for FIRSTHAND

• first-rater,
• fastened,
• firstly,
• firstborn,
• first cause,
• first state,
• first half,
• first water,
• first step,
• first aid,
• first name,
• first base,
• first-rate,
• first lady,
• first mate.