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Informant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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informant

[หˆษชn.fษ”ห.mษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

intelligence

A person who provides information or gives evidence to help in solving crimes or gathering intelligence.

Synonyms

source, whistleblower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
informant

Use when referring to someone who provides confidential or secret information, often to authorities or organizations. This term is neutral and commonly used in legal and investigative contexts.

  • The police relied on an informant to gather evidence for the case.
  • The journalist was able to secure crucial details from an informant within the company.
source

This is a general term for the origin of information, often used in journalism, research, or any situation where information is gathered from a person or document.

  • The reporter had multiple sources confirming the story.
  • In academic papers, always cite your sources to avoid plagiarism.
whistleblower

This term is used to describe a person who exposes wrongdoing, illegal activities, or unethical behavior within an organization. It often implies a sense of bravery and moral responsibility, sometimes with a negative connotation from the organization's perspective.

  • The whistleblower revealed the corruption within the government agency.
  • After the company scandal, the whistleblower received both praises and threats.

Examples of usage

  • The police were able to make an arrest thanks to a reliable informant.
  • The informant shared valuable information about the criminal organization.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

A native speaker of a language who assists in the study or documentation of that language.

Synonyms

consultant, language expert, native speaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
informant

Use this when referring to someone who provides information, typically in a secretive or confidential manner. This term often has a negative connotation and can imply secrecy or betrayal.

  • The police had an informant in the gang who provided crucial information
  • The journalist relied on several informants to expose the corruption scandal
consultant

This is appropriate when referring to a professional who provides expert advice in a specific field. This person is usually hired to offer guidance and solutions.

  • The company hired a consultant to improve their marketing strategy
  • She works as an IT consultant, helping businesses secure their networks

Examples of usage

  • The linguist relied on the informant to provide accurate translations.
  • The informant helped the researchers understand the nuances of the language.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law Enforcement

  • Informants are often used by police to gather information about criminal activities.
  • They can operate under different agreements, sometimes receiving payments or protection for their information.
  • Their role can be controversial, as some believe it compromises ethics in law enforcement.

Literature and Film

  • In many spy novels and movies, informants provide critical intelligence that drives the plot.
  • Classic examples include characters who secretly gather secrets from rival organizations, often risking their lives.

Psychology

  • The concept of an informant can touch on trust issues โ€“ who do we share information with and why?
  • Research shows that individuals are more likely to inform on others when they perceive their own safety or benefit.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows like 'Breaking Bad' feature informants as key players in the drug world, complicating relationships.
  • Many documentaries explore the lives of informants, revealing their motivations and stories.

Origin of 'informant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'informare', meaning 'to shape, train, or instruct'.
  • Originally used in legal contexts to refer to someone who provides information about a crime.

The word 'informant' originated from the Latin word 'informare', which means 'to inform'. The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, including law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and linguistic studies. Informants play a crucial role in providing valuable information and insights to professionals in different fields.

See also: disinformation, inform, informality, informally, informatics, information, informative, informed, informer, informers, informing, misinform, misinformation, misinformed, misinforming, uninformed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,715, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.