inform Meaning & Definition
What Does Inform Mean?
As a verb, inform means To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge). It is also used to mean To communicate knowledge to. As an adjective, it means Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Inform at a Glance
| Part of speech | verb, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ɪnˈfɔːm// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | acquaint, apprise and notify |
| Verb forms | informs, informing, informed |
Inform Definition (Verb)
- To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
- To communicate knowledge to.
- To impart information or knowledge.
- To act as an informer; denounce.
- To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
His sense of religion informs everything he writes.
- To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
- To direct, guide.
Don’t forget the code of ethics that informs this profession.
- To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
Inform as an Adjective
- Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Synonyms of Inform
Inform synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Inform
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Inform in a Sentence
His sense of religion informs everything he writes.
Don’t forget the code of ethics that informs this profession.
Word Forms & Grammar
inform (third-person singular simple present informs, present participle informing, simple past and past participle informed)
inform (not comparable)
Words That Rhyme With Inform
Origin of Inform
Origin 1: From Middle English informen, enformen, borrowed from Old French enformer, informer (“to train, instruct, inform”), from Latin īnfōrmō (“to shape, form, train, instruct, educate”), from in- (“into”) + fōrma (“form, shape”), equivalent to in- + form.
Origin 2: From Latin īnfōrmis.
How Do You Say Inform?
The standard pronunciation of inform is //ɪnˈfɔːm//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Inform: Your Questions Answered
Is inform a verb or an adjective?
Inform is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for inform?
You can replace inform with words such as acquaint, apprise and notify. See the full list of inform synonyms and antonyms.
What is the past tense of inform?
The past tense of inform is informed. The present participle is informing.