Definition

1. Verb:
   • To tell someone about something, especially in an official or formal way: To give someone facts or information about a situation, event, or person.
   • To influence something, giving it its essential character: To be the principle or quality that shapes something.
   • To act as an informer; to give information to authorities about someone's illegal activities: To secretly provide information about someone's wrongdoing to an authority like the police.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (To tell someone):

  • Please inform the manager if you see anything suspicious.
  • The letter informed us of the change in schedule.
  • I regret to inform you that your application was not successful.

• Verb (To influence or shape):

  • A deep respect for nature informs all his artwork.
  • These core values inform the company's decision-making process.

• Verb (To act as an informer):

  • He was afraid his neighbor would inform on him to the police.
  • Witnesses informed against the members of the gang.

Advanced Usage

• "to inform on/against someone": To secretly give information to the authorities about someone's illegal activities.

  • She refused to inform on her colleagues.

• "to be informed by something": To be influenced or characterized by a particular quality, idea, or principle.

  • His teaching style is informed by years of practical experience.

• "to keep someone informed": To regularly give someone updates about a situation.

  • Keep me informed of any developments.

Variants and Related Words

• Informed (adj): Having or showing knowledge about a subject or situation.
  • An informed decision.
• Informer (n): A person who informs on another person to the authorities.
  • The police protected the identity of the informer.
• Information (n): Facts or details about a subject.
  • For further information, visit our website.
• Informative (adj): Providing useful or interesting information.
  • The documentary was very informative.

Synonyms

• Notify: To tell someone officially about something.
• Advise: To give information or a warning to someone.
• Apprise: To inform or tell (someone) – a more formal synonym.
• Acquaint: To make someone aware of or familiar with.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Inform on/upon: To give information about someone's wrongdoing to an authority. (Note: "upon" is less common).
  • He informed on his former partners in crime.
• Inform of/about: To tell someone facts or details concerning something.
  • Has anyone informed you of the new policy?

Related Idioms

• (Well-)informed sources: People or places that provide reliable information.
  • According to well-informed sources, an agreement is near.
• To inform someone's judgment/opinion: To be the basis for someone's decision or viewpoint.
  • The data collected will inform the committee's final judgment.

Verb

1. act as an informer
   • She had informed on her own parents for years
2. give character or essence to
   • The principles that inform modern teaching
3. impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to
   • I informed him of his rights