Inform

/ɪnˈfɔɹm/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive, archaic) To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, archaic) To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
2. (transitive) To communicate knowledge to.
3. (intransitive) To impart information or knowledge.
4. To act as an informer; denounce.
5. (transitive) To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
6. (intransitive, obsolete) To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
7. (transitive, formal) To direct, guide.
8. (intransitive, archaic) To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.

Example Sentences

For he would learn their business secretly, / And then inform his master hastily.

I am informed thoroughly of the cause.

His sense of religion informs everything he writes.

But others declare that no Creature can be made or tranſmuted into a better or vvorſe, or transformed into another ſpecies or ſimilitude, by man, or devill. […] Martinus [i.e., Martin] Delrio the Jeſuit accounts this degeneration of Man into a Beaſt to be an illuſion, deceptive and repugnant to Nature; for, the ſoule of man cannot informe a beaſts body, […]

Let others better mould the running mass / Of metals, and inform the breathing brass

O! long as breath informs this fleeting frame / Ne'er let me pass in silence Dorset's name

WikiLeaks did not cause these uprisings but it certainly informed them. The dispatches revealed details of corruption and kleptocracy that many Tunisians suspected, but could not prove, and would cite as they took to the streets.

Don’t forget the code of ethics that informs this profession.

Synonyms for inform

Antonyms for inform

Related Words

Word Forms

• informs
• informing
• informed
• enform

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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