To inform means to tell someone important facts or details. We use it when we want to share news or information with someone.
Please inform me about the meeting time.
She informed him of the new rules today.
To inform can also mean to officially notify someone, like in work or law. It means giving formal information to the right person.
The police informed the public about the danger.
We informed the manager of the problem quickly.
Inform can mean to teach or give knowledge that helps someone understand new things. This is often in learning or study contexts.
Books inform people about history and culture.
The teacher informed students about the exam rules.
To inform can also mean to affect or guide something’s character or development. It is more abstract and used for ideas or feelings.
Her values inform all her decisions.
The culture informs how people behave in this town.
In technology, to inform means to give data or information to a computer or system. It means putting information inside for use.
The technician informed the system with new data.
Please inform the computer before the test starts.
To inform on/upon someone means to tell the police or authorities about their bad or illegal actions. It often has a negative or serious meaning.
He informed on his friend to the police.
She informed against the thief yesterday.
To inform can mean to give ideas or inspiration that help create art, writing, or thinking. It shapes how creative work happens.
Past experiences inform her poetry deeply.
These ideas inform much of modern philosophy.