The noun "source" is often found in speech. It is used in a variety of contexts, so it is important to know what the source is. The definition of this language unit is presented in any explanatory dictionary. This word is ambiguous - it has several interpretations. This article outlines the basic interpretations of the noun "source." So there they are.
Spring
A source is called a stream of groundwater, which is visible on the earth's surface. Surely, you have at least once seen a forest fontanel. It can also be called the key. It is a stream of water that strikes from under the ground. From here came the phrase "beat the key" - to possess some kind of wealth in abundance.
The spring is not a man-made source. This is a natural well that was formed without human intervention. But people can ennoble the source. For example, decorate with stones, make a well out of it.
It is also advisable to clean the sources of dirt so that they do not dry out. Then they will delight for a long time with clean and healthy water. Examples:
- The villagers cleared the source, now everyone can enjoy the cool water.
- Near a sprawling tree, there is a spring with surprisingly clear water.
Start
The noun "source" has a figurative meaning. This word indicates the beginning of something, the basis for any action. Or the source is the reason that provokes a certain result.
This word can be used in a number of phrases: a source of light, raw materials, financing. In this case, we mean that a certain object or person provokes the occurrence of some result.
You can give an example: a lamp is a source of light, an infected person is a source of infection, a liquid is a source of life. It can be both exhaustible (coal - heat), and inexhaustible (sunlight - energy). Examples:
- The government is seeking additional sources of funding.
- Sources of raw materials will be exhausted in ten years - an alternative must be sought.
Informant
Already by the very word it’s clear that we are talking about a person who provides certain information. So they say, for example, about a secret agent that is being introduced into an enemy camp. He collects information, and then informs his allies, transfers them important data. That is, it is a source of information.
It is important to note that in this sense the source is not only an animated noun. In general, any object that conveys information can be called a source. Abstract concepts are also suitable.
We give the following examples: reliable, dishonest, secret, faithful source, source of gossip, a source from the environment of a celebrity. That is, in a particular case, these are informants who transmit important information. Examples:
- A secret source indicated when the rebellion was conceived.
- We managed to get information from a reliable source about who is behind the theft of public funds.
Document
Sometimes the word "source" means a written document that was used during a scientific study. This may be a book, a dissertation, a work of fiction. That is, the source is a kind of original document on which the author of the study relied.
All students know what sources are. When you need to write an abstract or term paper, you must definitely use several books to find information. They are usually indicated on the last page of the work in a list.
If you do not indicate which sources you used, then your work is considered plagiarism. This business is punishable, so it’s better not to risk it and honestly indicate all the books that you use. Examples:
- The negligent student did not indicate the sources used while writing the term paper.
- Researchers used sources found in libraries and archives, collecting data bit by bit.
Now it is clear the interpretation of the word "source" and its meaning in each individual context. This noun is ambiguous. It is used in various speech situations. It is important to carefully analyze the context in order to use the word correctly. It can be used both in direct and figurative meaning, to indicate specific objects (for example, a stream), as well as abstract concepts (the beginning of something).