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Inform vs Formation - What's the difference?

inform | formation |

As a verb inform

is (archaic|transitive) to instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).

As an adjective inform

is without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.

As a noun formation is

formation.

inform

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) informen, enformen, from (etyl) enformer, .

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Verb

(en verb)
  • (archaic) To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
  • To communicate knowledge to.
  • * Spenser
  • For he would learn their business secretly, / And then inform his master hastily.
  • * Shakespeare
  • I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
  • 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.).
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=(Gary Younge)
  • , volume=188, issue=26, page=18, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Hypocrisy lies at heart of Manning prosecution , passage=WikiLeaks did not cause these uprisings but it certainly informed them. The dispatches revealed details of corruption and kleptocracy that many Tunisians suspected, but could not prove, and would cite as they took to the streets.}}
  • * Dryden
  • Let others better mould the running mass / Of metals, and inform the breathing brass.
  • * Prior
  • Breath informs this fleeting frame.
  • (obsolete) To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
  • (obsolete) To direct, guide.
  • (archaic) To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
  • * Shakespeare
  • It is the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine eyes.
    Synonyms
    * acquaint, apprise, notify * (act as informer) dob, name names, peach, snitch
    Derived terms
    * informant * information * informative * informatory * informed * informer * misinform * uninformed

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) (lena) informis

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
  • (Cotton)

    Anagrams

    *

    formation

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Something possessing structure or form.
  • The act of assembling a group or structure.
  • (geology) A rock or face of a mountain.
  • (military) A grouping of military units or smaller formations under a command, such as a brigade, division, wing, etc.
  • (military) An arrangement of moving troops, ships, or aircraft, such as a wedge, line abreast, or echelon. Often "in formation".
  • The process of influencing or guiding a person to a deeper understanding of a particular vocation.
  • Synonyms

    * (military grouping of units) battle group, brigade group, task force, combat team * (military arrangement of forces) tactical formation, battle formation