Inform
/ɪnˈfɔːrm/
verbB1
Definition
Inform means to tell someone important facts or news so they know about something. It is sharing knowledge or details that the other person did not have before. People inform others by speaking, writing, or other ways.
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See It in Action
To give facts or news to someone
- •Please inform me if the meeting time changes.
- •The teacher informed the class about the homework.
- •The company informed employees about the new rules.
To officially notify someone
- •The police informed the family about the accident.
- •You must inform the bank if your address changes.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inform" like "tell," but more formal and focused on giving useful or important facts.
- ✓Picture a teacher telling students about a test date so they can prepare.
- ✓It's the feeling when you learn something new that helps you make a decision or understand a situation.
- ✓Sounds like "in-FORM" → imagine putting information into a clear shape (form) inside someone's mind.
- ✓Think of a news reporter informing people about current events on TV.
- ✓NOT like "ask" (getting information), "inform" means giving information to others.
- ✓NOT like "order" (telling someone to do something), "inform" is just sharing facts or news.
- ✓NOT like "explain" (making something clear), "inform" is simply telling or giving information.
Try Other Words
- •Notify: to officially tell someone something (Use when the communication is formal or official)
- •Advise: to give information or suggestions (Use when giving recommendations or advice)
- •Communicate: to share information or ideas (Use when emphasizing the act of sharing between people)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (into) + root "form" (shape, structure)
- •Etymology: From Latin "informare," meaning to give form or shape to knowledge, later to instruct or teach
- •Historical development: Originally meant to shape or give form, then evolved to mean giving knowledge or instruction
- •Modern usage: Used to mean telling or giving facts or news, often in formal or official contexts
Reflect & Connect
•How does the word "inform" change the way you think about sharing information compared to just "telling"?
•In what situations is it important to be informed, and how does that affect your decisions?
Fill in the blanks
1.She informed her boss ___ the problem before it got worse.
2.When you inform someone, you usually want them to ___ something important.
3.Unlike asking questions, to inform means you ___ information to others.
4.The doctor informed the patient ___ the test results carefully.
5.Companies must inform customers ___ any changes in their services.
6.People often inform others ___ email, phone calls, or meetings.
7.If you do not inform the school ___ your absence, they may think you are skipping class.