inform

verb

in·​form in-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce inform (audio)
informed; informing; informs

transitive verb

1
: to communicate knowledge to
inform a prisoner of his rights
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
3
obsolete : to give material form to
4
obsolete : guide, direct
5
obsolete : to make known

intransitive verb

1
: to give information (as of another's wrongdoing) to an authority
informed on a member of his own gang
2
: to impart information or knowledge
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of inform in a Sentence

The book will entertain and inform you. The arresting officer failed to inform the suspect of his rights. He failed to inform the suspect that he had the right to remain silent. We haven't yet been informed of her decision. Frequent reports from the battlefield kept the general informed about how the attack was progressing. The book will both entertain and inform. His Catholic upbringing informs all his writing.
Recent Examples on the Web The findings and recommendations from these investigations should be made public and used to inform the development of new cybersecurity standards and best practices for the health care industry. Jonathan Slotkin and David Vawdrey, STAT, 14 Mar. 2024 But Sweeney informed Horowitz that next on her plate is filming for the next season of Sam Levinson’s hit HBO series. Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 Though they got engaged on the season finale — and remained together throughout reunion taping — a bombshell edit at the end of the final episode informed viewers that Rae and Lexi had called off their nuptials. Charlotte Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2024 Late last year, Chula Vista officials informed licensee Vista Property Holdings that Camberos would have to sell his stake in the company in order for Grasshopper Dispensary to keep its license. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 Legacy Church told Fox News Digital they were informed by police that the suspect was on parole and had a gun in his car. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2024 But some policing experts say officers have a moral obligation to inform families as soon as possible. Brian Howey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Young’s free agency visits presumably will inform suitors on how he’s recovered from a 2021 knee injury that sidetracked his career. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Jihan and her husband stood shivering under floodlights, and were informed that the name of their new home was Al-Hol. Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inform.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enformer, from Latin informare, from in- + forma form

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of inform was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inform

Cite this Entry

“Inform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inform. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inform

verb
in·​form in-ˈfȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce inform (audio)
1
: to let a person know something : tell
2
: to give information so as to accuse or cause suspicion
inform against them to the police

More from Merriam-Webster on inform

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