firsthand

or first-hand

[ furst-hand ]

adverb

1. from the first or original source:

   We heard the news of the accident firsthand from a witness.

adjective

1. of or relating to the first or original source.
2. direct from the original source:

   firsthand knowledge of the riot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of firsthand¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; first + hand

Example Sentences

The reality is far more complex than labelling someone as simply ‘evil’, as I discovered firsthand.

From BBC

O’Malley combatted this firsthand while trying to turn things around for Social Security.

From Salon

The effects of war on those who fight and witness it firsthand can linger long after peace has been made and the troops have come home.

From Science Daily

There he experienced, firsthand, the work of path breakers like Merce Cunningham, Trisha Brown and Meredith Monk.

From New York Times

But for those who have watched his progress firsthand, it’s hard not to imagine what it would mean for a Samoan quarterback to become a star at USC.

From Los Angeles Times