I'm learning العربية

مَصدَر، مًصادِر — meaning in English: Source, sources

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for source
إسراع
رَيْب
مُقبِل
مَصدَر، مًصادِر
فَعّال
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Arabic for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word مَصدَر، مًصادِر in academic discussions or journalistic contexts when referring to primary sources of information, such as research studies or interviews. It is also commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing the origins of certain ideas or news, for example, when asking where someone heard a particular story.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'مَنبَع', which typically refers to a physical source like a spring or fountain. In contrast, مَصدَر encompasses both physical and abstract sources, making it more versatile for discussions about ideas, data, or origins.
Culture
The word مَصدَر comes from the root ص-د-ر which relates to the idea of originating or producing. In Arabic literature, مَصدَر can also refer to a source of inspiration, highlighting its broader significance beyond mere information. This dual usage showcases the rich, interconnected nature of Arabic vocabulary, reflecting both tangible and intangible sources.
FAQ
Q.What is the plural form of مَصدَر?
The plural form is مًصادِر, which is used to refer to multiple sources. For example, you might say, 'The مًصادِر for this information are varied and credible.'
Q.How do you use مَصدَر in a sentence?
You can use مَصدَر in a sentence like, 'هذا مَصدَر موثوق للمعلومات', which translates to 'This source is reliable for information.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using مَصدَر?
A common mistake is confusing مَصدَر with مَنبَع. Remember that مَصدَر can refer to both information and inspiration, while مَنبَع is more limited to physical sources.
Learn arabic with Maspeak →
Arabic 5000