What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
provenance
Example
The museum's collection includes many pieces with a rich provenance, tracing their origins back to ancient civilizations. [provenance: noun]
Example
The auction house requires a detailed provenance for any artwork submitted for sale. [provenance: adjective]
source
Example
The source of the Nile River has been a mystery for centuries. [source: noun]
Example
I got this information from a reliable source. [source: noun]
Example
The source of the problem seems to be a lack of communication between departments. [source: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Source is more commonly used than provenance in everyday language due to its wider range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between provenance and source?
Provenance is associated with a more formal and academic tone, while source can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
