What does informational mean?
Informational is an adjective meaning related to information or intended to communicate information. It is especially common in educational, institutional, governmental, and media contexts, where it describes content, resources, signs, websites, or materials designed to explain a subject or provide facts. The term is generally neutral and practical rather than emotional or persuasive. It is widely understood in both British and American English, although informative is often the more usual choice in British usage. Informational is particularly useful when the focus is on the purpose or nature of communication rather than on whether the information itself is engaging or valuable. For example, an informational poster explains a topic, while an informative article may also be interesting, readable, or illuminating.
adjectiveRelating to or consisting of information; conveying or providing information. It is commonly used for content, materials, or resources intended to communicate facts or explain a subject.
- Relating to information or to the communication of information.
"The museum provides informational panels about the history of the building."
"The guide contains useful informational details about public transport."
"Teachers selected informational websites that explained the subject clearly."
Informational is the adjective for content whose job is to inform, not to entertain or persuade.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does informational come from?
Informational was formed in English by adding the adjective-forming suffix -al to information. Information ultimately derives from Latin informare, meaning “to inform” or “instruct,” built from in- and forma, “form” or “shape.” Related English words such as inform, informative, and information preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How informational is actually used
The word is neutral and commonly attributive, as in “informational material.” In British English, informative is often preferred when describing something that conveys useful or enlightening information.
Easily confused with informational
Informational means relating to or conveying information, while informative more specifically describes something that is useful or enlightening as a source of information.