primary source
/ˈpraɪməri sɔːs/
Meaning
A primary source is an immediate, first-hand account of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it. Examples include diaries, letters, photographs, speeches, and raw scientific data. It is a fundamental concept in history, science, and academic research, used with an objective and analytical tone.
Examples
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For her history thesis, she analyzed a primary source from the American Civil War.
For her history thesis, she analyzed a primary source from the American Civil War.
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An interview with an eyewitness serves as an excellent primary source for journalists.
An interview with an eyewitness serves as an excellent primary source for journalists.
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Historians prefer to base their research on a primary source rather than later interpretations.
Historians prefer to base their research on a primary source rather than later interpretations.
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The diary of Anne Frank is a deeply moving primary source from World War II.
The diary of Anne Frank is a deeply moving primary source from World War II.
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We must evaluate the reliability of each primary source before drawing our conclusions.
We must evaluate the reliability of each primary source before drawing our conclusions.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I read a textbook about the French Revolution, which was a great primary source.
✓ I read a textbook about the French Revolution, which was a great secondary source.
A textbook is written after the event and analyzes original materials, making it a secondary source, not a primary source.
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✗ The researcher used a primary source to prove his point, but it was just a modern summary.
✓ The researcher used a primary source to prove his point, which was an original letter from 1850.
A modern summary cannot be a primary source for historical events; a primary source must be an original, contemporaneous document.
Related Expressions
Practice
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A letter written by a soldier during the war is considered a ___.
💡 An original, firsthand document.
Show answer
primary source
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To write a credible history paper, you need to analyze at least one ___.
💡 Direct evidence from the time period.
Show answer
primary source