inform

verb in·form \ in-ˈfȯrm \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

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Examples: inform in a Sentence

Definition of inform

informed; informing; informs

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

3 obsolete : guide, direct

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

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 of inform from the Web

Designed as keepsakes and presented alongside Triplé Gagnant, a travel-size trio of sprays in hits like Blanche, La Tulipe, and Gypsy Water, the combs represent a luxurious take on grooming—and one that is informed by history.

— janelle okwodu, Vogue, "Byredo’s New Keepsake Combs Pay Tribute to Africa’s Beloved Queens," 13 July 2018
This is especially worrisome to Legum right now, given the upcoming midterm elections and the need for voters to be informed on the issues.

— emily dreyfuss, WIRED, "Judd Legum Wants to Fix News With a Newsletter," 12 July 2018
Thirdly, mini-grid operators need to be informed well in advance of plans to extend the grid, to reduce the risk that their installations are left useless when the grid finally arrives.

— The Economist, "Mini-grids could be a boon to poor people in Africa and Asia," 12 July 2018
But then came the sudden call on July 2, informing staff that their campus was shuttering, and with it, their jobs.

— annabelle williams, Philly.com, "Art Institute of Philadelphia closing leaves students and employees with hard decisions," 12 July 2018
This spending was investigated by the Government Accountability Office, which found in April 2018 that Pruitt violated the Antideficiency Act, a law that requires Congress to be informed before the booth was authorized.

— glenn fleishman, Fortune, "How Scott Pruitt Blew It: A List of Scandals That Led to the EPA Chief's Resignation," 5 July 2018
The Foundation promotes democracy through informed and engaged communities.

— alberto ibargüen, star-telegram, "Support local news –it’s crucial to our lives and our democracy," 5 July 2018
Customers are supposed to be informed that the insurance policies are optional.

— peter whoriskey, courant.com, "Unsolicited checks can be a lifeline and an albatross," 2 July 2018
In 2017, Child Advocacy intervened on behalf of 356 children, usually because their right to be informed and heard was not respected.

— claudia blumer, The Christian Science Monitor, "In Switzerland, giving children a say in life-changing decisions," 15 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inform.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.