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Inform vs Message - What's the difference?

inform | message |

In lang=en terms the difference between inform and message

is that inform is to give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc) while message is to send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.

As verbs the difference between inform and message

is that inform is (archaic|transitive) to instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge) while message is to send a message to; to transmit a message to, as text via a cell phone.

As an adjective inform

is without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.

As a noun message is

a communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.

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

    *

    message

    English

    (message) (old-fashioned definitions)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.
  • * Bible, Judges iii. 20
  • I have a message from God unto thee.
  • *
  • , title=(The Celebrity), chapter=4 , passage=No matter how early I came down, I would find him on the veranda, smoking cigarettes, or otherwise his man would be there with a message to say that his master would shortly join me if I would kindly wait.}}
  • An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-29, volume=407, issue=8842, page=55, magazine=(The Economist)
  • , title= Travels and travails , passage=Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message : America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.}}

    Usage notes

    In Ireland, Scotland and Northern England, messages (plural) can mean "groceries, shopping".

    Derived terms

    * instant message * text message

    Abbreviations

    * msg

    Verb

  • To send a message to; to transmit a message to, as text via a cell phone.
  • Just message me for directions.
    I messaged her about the concert.
  • To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.
  • She messaged me the information yesterday.
    Please message the final report by fax.
  • To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.
  • We've implemented a new messaging service.
    The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.
  • (obsolete) To bear as a message.
  • Synonyms

    * (send a text message to)

    See also

    * instant message * instant messaging * messenger * mission ----