First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
inform
verb in·form \in-ˈfȯrm\
: to give information to (someone)
: to be or provide the essential quality of (something) : to be very noticeable in (something)
Full Definition of INFORM
transitive verb
1
obsolete : to give material form to
2
a : to give character or essence to <the principles which inform modern teaching> b : to be the characteristic quality of : animate <the compassion that informs her work>
4
obsolete : to make known
5
: to communicate knowledge to <inform a prisoner of his rights>
intransitive verb
1
: to impart information or knowledge
2
: to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority <informed on a member of his own gang>
See inform defined for English-language learners
See inform defined for kids
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Origin of INFORM
Middle English, from Anglo-French enformer, from Latin informare, from in- + forma form
Related to INFORM
- Synonyms
- fink, grass (on) [British slang], squeal, rat (on), sing, snitch, split (on) [British], squeak, talk, tell (on)
Synonym Discussion of INFORM
inform, acquaint, apprise, notify mean to make one aware of something. inform implies the imparting of knowledge especially of facts or occurrences <informed us of the crisis>. acquaint lays stress on introducing to or familiarizing with <acquaint yourself with the keyboard>. apprise implies communicating something of special interest or importance <keep us apprised of the situation>. notify implies sending notice of something requiring attention or demanding action <notified the witness when to appear>.
Rhymes with INFORM
art form, aswarm, barnstorm, brainstorm, by-form, by storm, conform, deform, Delorme, dust storm, firestorm, free-form, hailstorm, ice storm, L-form, landform, life-form, line storm, lukewarm, perform, planform, platform, preform, rainstorm, re-form, reform, sandstorm, slip form, snowstorm, transform, triform, waveform, windstorm
INFORM Defined for Kids
inform
verb in·form \in-ˈfȯrm\
in·formedin·form·ing
Definition of INFORM for Kids
1
: to let a person know something <I informed him of the changes.>
2
: to give information so as to accuse or cause suspicion <He refused to inform on his friends.>
— in·form·er noun
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