- Main Entry:
- in·form
- Pronunciation:
-
\in-ˈfȯrm\
- Function:
- verb
- Etymology:
- Middle English, from Anglo-French enformer, from Latin informare, from in- + forma form
- Date:
- 14th century
transitive verb1obsolete : to give material form to2 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>3obsolete : guide, direct4obsolete : to make known5: to communicate knowledge to <inform a prisoner of his rights>intransitive verb1: to impart information or knowledge2: to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority <informed on a member of his own gang>
synonyms 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>.
