What does inform mean?
Inform means to tell someone something or make them aware of a fact, event, or situation. The most common pattern is “inform someone of something,” as in “Please inform us of any changes.” In professional, educational, and institutional contexts, the verb often conveys a formal or official communication: a department informs staff of a new procedure, or a report informs a decision. It can also mean to provide knowledge or guidance, particularly when a person, document, or event influences the way another person acts or thinks. The word is widely used in both British and American English and is usually neutral in tone, although it may sound more formal than the everyday alternatives “tell” or “let someone know.” Its related forms, including information, informative, and informant, reflect the broader idea of giving someone access to knowledge.
To tell or notify someone of a fact, event, or piece of news; to make someone aware or informed.
"The hospital informed the family of the patient's condition."
Commonly used in formal and semi-formal communication; “inform someone of something” is the usual pattern.
To give someone instruction or to shape their knowledge or understanding through information.
"The professor's research informed her understanding of the ancient text."
This sense is somewhat literary or academic and often means “to guide or instruct through knowledge.”
To inform is to put someone in the know: from Latin forma, meaning shape, the word originally conveyed knowledge that gave form to the mind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inform come from?
The verb comes from Latin informare, formed from in- and forma, meaning “to shape” or “to form.” In Latin and later usage, informing the mind meant giving it shape through knowledge or instruction. English borrowed the word in the early 16th century, initially in senses connected with instruction and education, before developing the modern sense of notifying or telling someone.
Related word forms
How inform is actually used
“Inform someone of something” is the standard construction for reporting news or facts. “Inform” can also mean to instruct or guide, as in “a teacher informs her students,” though “educate” may be clearer when instruction is intended.
Easily confused with inform
To inform someone is to give them information, whereas to infer something is to deduce or conclude it from available evidence.