inform
ihn-FAWM
Inform (verb) means to tell someone about facts or a situation. Example: “The school will inform parents by email if the trip is cancelled.”
verb
1
To tell someone about facts or a situation.
"The school will inform parents by email if the trip is cancelled."
"Please inform us of any changes to your address."
"The nurse informed the family that the surgery had gone well."
2
To shape or influence something, especially an idea or approach.
"Local traditions inform the way the festival is planned each year."
"Good research should inform your choice of university."
"Her years of teaching inform every decision she makes as headteacher."
How to use inform
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo give someone facts, or to shape the way something is done.
Common pairings
inform someone of
keep informed
inform a decision
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- informs
- Past tense
- informed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The school will _____ parents by email if the trip is cancelled.
Etymology
From Old French informer, from Latin informare, "to shape, train, instruct," from in- plus forma ("form").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “inform” mean?
The word “inform” means to tell someone about facts or a situation. In plain terms, to give someone facts, or to shape the way something is done.
How do you pronounce “inform”?
“Inform” is pronounced ihn-FAWM (/ɪnˈfɔɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “inform” in a sentence?
Here is “inform” used in a sentence: “Please inform us of any changes to your address.”
What is another word for “inform”?
Words with a similar meaning to “inform” include apprise, notify, name names, peach, snitch and take shape.
What is the opposite of “inform”?
The opposite of “inform” — its antonyms — are encrypt, disinform, misguide, mislead and misinform.
What part of speech is “inform”?
“Inform” is a verb.
Where does the word “inform” come from?
The word “inform” comes from Latin. From Old French informer, from Latin informare, "to shape, train, instruct," from in- plus forma ("form").
Is “inform” a common word?
“Inform” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "inform" and "notify"?
Both mean to give someone information, but "notify" usually refers to a formal or official announcement of a specific fact or event, while "inform" is broader and can cover explaining facts or a whole situation. You notify people of a decision; you inform them about a topic.
Do you say "inform someone of" or "inform someone about"?
Both are correct. "Inform someone of" tends to be used for a specific fact or event ("inform her of the results"), while "inform someone about" suits a broader subject ("inform them about the changes").
What is the difference between "inform" and "advise"?
"Inform" means simply to tell someone facts or a situation, while "advise" adds the sense of recommending what someone should do. You inform people so they know something; you advise them so they can decide.
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