What does informing mean?
“Informing” is the present-participle and gerund form of the verb “inform,” meaning to tell someone about something or to give someone knowledge that they did not previously have. It is widely used in formal and professional contexts, as in “informing the public” or “keeping staff informed,” and is often associated with clear communication of facts, news, or developments. The related adjective meaning “providing useful information” is also common: an “informing report” is a report that enables its audience to understand a topic or situation. In everyday speech, “informing” may suggest not merely giving details but also clarifying, educating, or illuminating. The word comes from the Latin informare, “to shape, instruct, or teach,” reflecting the broader idea that information can shape a person’s understanding.
To tell someone something, especially a fact, news, or instruction.
"The supervisor informed us that the deadline had been extended."
Often used with “someone” as the object and “of” or “about” before the information: “inform the staff of the change.”
Providing useful information, insight, or understanding.
"The article is an informative account of the policy debate."
This adjectival use is common in formal writing and typically modifies a noun such as “report,” “account,” “discussion,” or “presentation.”
The word “inform” comes from Latin informare, meaning “to shape” or “to instruct,” so giving information has always been a way of shaping someone's understanding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does informing come from?
The word derives from Latin informare, formed from in- “into” and forma “shape,” with the original sense of “to shape, instruct, or teach.” English borrowed it in the 16th century in the sense of giving knowledge or instruction, and the modern meaning of telling someone information developed from that history. Related English forms include “information,” “informative,” and “informer,” while the Latin root also underlies cognates in several European languages.
Related word forms
How informing is actually used
The form is common in formal and professional writing. As an adjective, “informing” is typically used of reports, discussions, accounts, or presentations that communicate useful information.
Easily confused with informing
“Inform” means to give someone information, whereas “enlighten” often means to help someone understand a subject or situation more clearly.
“Informing” is a form of the verb “inform,” while “informative” is an adjective describing something that provides useful information.