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Firsthand vs Secondhand - What's the difference?

firsthand | secondhand |

As adjectives the difference between firsthand and secondhand

is that firsthand is direct, without intermediate stages while secondhand is (of goods) not new; previously owned and used by another.

As an adverb secondhand is

indirectly.

firsthand

English

Alternative forms

* first hand, first-hand

Adjective

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

    secondhand

    English

    Alternative forms

    * second-hand

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (of goods) not new; previously owned and used by another
  • (of a dealer) dealing in such merchandise
  • indirect
    • exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarette-smoking colleagues

    Adverb

    (-)
  • indirectly