phrase
ad fontēs
ad fontēs
Classical[ˈad ˈfɔn.teːs]Ecclesiastical[ˈad ˈfɔn.tes]
Meaning
- idiomaticGo to the sources: An expression emphasizing the importance of conducting fundamental research and of consulting primary sources.
Origins
Ad (“to”) + fontēs, accusative plural form of fōns (“fountain”, “spring”, “source”) = literally, “to the springs or sources”; probably drawn from Psalm XLII, verse 1 of the Latin Vulgate by Spanish humanists.