Inform: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：notify officially (inform)

inform 🔊

/ɪnˈfɔːrm/

to tell someone about something, especially in an official or important way.

Inform meaning illustration person receiving notification on smartphone

notify officially 🔊

➕

/ˈnoʊtɪfaɪ əˈfɪʃəli/

To provide someone with knowledge or facts about something, especially in a formal or official context.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

from Latin 'informare': in- 'into' + formare 'to form' → to give form to the mind, i.e., to instruct or tell.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'in form' → you put information into a proper form for someone to understand.

📖 Example

The school will inform all parents about the new safety policy via email tomorrow. 🔊 The school will inform all parents about the new safety policy via email tomorrow.

🔗 Collocations

inform someone about something – to tell someone details concerning a particular matter

inform someone of something – to make someone aware of a fact or situation

keep someone informed – to regularly update someone with the latest information

🔄 Synonyms

notify (v.) – To formally tell someone about something, often in writing.

advise (v.) – To give information or suggestions to someone, typically in a helpful or official way.

apprise (v.) – To inform or tell someone about a situation, often in a more formal tone.

🚫 Antonyms

mislead (v.) – To cause someone to believe something that is not true.

deceive (v.) – To deliberately make someone believe something false.

conceal (v.) – To hide information from someone intentionally.

🌱 Derivatives

information (n.) – Facts or details about a subject.

informative (adj.) – Providing useful or interesting information.

informed (adj.) – Having a lot of knowledge about a particular subject.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'informare' meaning 'to shape or train'. In medieval English, it evolved from 'to give form' to 'to communicate knowledge'. Today it is a staple in formal announcements, business emails, and legal notices.