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 Social media sentiment analysis is about extracting insights to inform your marketing strategy. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 My journey as a student, future educator and community leader informs my belief that decisions must always prioritize students. Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024 Durst and his managers discovered two accounts totaling about $1 million payable to the band that UMG had never informed them about, according to the suit. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2024 Louisville Division of Fire spokesperson Donovan Sims said department personnel have informed the property's management that the building is uninhabitable until fire alarms and sprinklers in the building are functional. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inform 

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 14 Oct. 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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