What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Hearsay vs Firsthand - What's the difference?

hearsay | firsthand |

As a noun hearsay

is information that was heard by one person about another.

As an adjective firsthand is

direct, without intermediate stages.

hearsay

Noun

(en-noun)
  • information that was heard by one person about another
  • (legal) evidence based on the reports of others rather than on personal knowledge; normally inadmissible because not made under oath
  • (legal) evidence: an out-of-court statement offered in court for the truth of the matter asserted; normally inadmissible because not subject to cross-examination, unless the hearsay statement falls under one of the many exceptions
  • Synonyms

    * report * rumor * common talk * gossip

    See also

    * hear * as they say * you know what they say * so they say

    firsthand

    English

    Alternative forms

    * first hand, first-hand

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Direct, without intermediate stages.
  • firsthand knowledge