at first hand
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: From the original source or personal experience; directly, without any intermediary.
Usage
The adverb "at first hand" is used to describe information, knowledge, or an experience that is obtained directly from the original source or through personal involvement, rather than from reports, secondhand accounts, or other people.
Examples
- She learned about the crisis at first hand when she volunteered in the region.
- The journalist wanted to report the news at first hand, so she traveled to the capital.
- I can tell you at first hand that the training is very demanding.
Advanced Usage
- Position in a sentence: "At first hand" is often placed at the end of a clause or sentence. It can also be used after a verb to modify it directly.
- He witnessed the events at first hand.
- To understand the culture, you must experience it at first hand.
Variants and Related Words
- Firsthand (Adjective/Adverb): A common, single-word variant with the same meaning.
- Adjective: She has firsthand knowledge of the process.
- Adverb: He saw it firsthand.
- Secondhand (Adjective/Adverb): Obtained from or through an intermediary; not directly.
- Adjective: I only have secondhand information.
Synonyms
- Directly
- Personally
- From the source
Related Phrases
- To experience something at first hand: To go through an event or situation personally.
- Few people have experienced a tsunami at first hand.
- To see/hear/learn something at first hand: To observe, be told, or acquire knowledge directly.
- He saw the effects of the policy at first hand.
Adverb
- from the original source; directly
- I heard this story firsthand