inform

Word family

in·form /ɪnˈfɔːm $ -ɔːrm/ S3 W3 verb [transitiveT] formal

1 TELLto officially tell someone about something or give them information 〔正式〕通知，告知〔某人〕

They decided to inform the police

他們決定通知警察。

inform somebody about/of something

Please inform us of any change of address as soon as possible.

地址如有變更，請盡早通知我們。

inform somebody (that)

We regret to inform you that your application has been rejected.

我們很遺憾地通知你，你的申請未被接受。

► see thesaurus at tell

2 formalEFFECT/INFLUENCE to influence someone’s attitude or opinion 影響〔某人的態度或觀點〕

Her experience as a refugee informs the content of her latest novel.

她的難民經歷影響了她最新小說的内容。

3 inform on/against somebody phrasal verbphr v formal PMSCPto tell the police or an enemy information about someone that will harm them 告發，檢舉

He denied that he had ever informed on his neighbours.

他否認曾告發他的鄰居。

Examples from the Corpus

inform on/against • And they had to be kept informed on a regular basis about changes in the competitive picture and performance expectations.• He was well informed on civil and constitutional law.• His father was a quiet man, but he was surprisingly well informed on current issues.• Luke O'Malley had committed the unforgivable sin - he had informed on his friends.• It was the press that later seemed to always side with the blacks, informing on police who committed excesses.• The zeal to conform and inform on their neighbours gave the Inquisition many willing helpers.• He also was quickly released, but he informed on two other well-known villains, MacDonald and Collins.• How all occasions do inform against you, George!

Examples from the Corpus

inform• Her style is informed by the writings of Kafka, Artaud, and Beckett.• Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.• Do you think we ought to inform the police?• I am sorry to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.• You should inform your bank of any change of address.

inform somebody about/of something• The bank never informed us of how the money was being invested.

From Longman Business Dictionary

informin·form /ɪnˈfɔːm-ɔːrm/ verb [transitiveT]

to formally or officially tell someone about something or give them information

inform somebody (that)

We regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.

inform somebody of/about something

The firm’s US partners were informed of the planned cuts last week.

Origin inform

(1300-1400) Old French enformer, from Latin informare “to give shape to”, from forma; → FORM1

Syllable

Corpus