Information: meaning, definitions and examples

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information

 

[ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

gathering and dissemination

Facts provided or learned about something or someone. It is knowledge communicated or received concerning a particular fact or circumstance.

Synonyms

data, details, facts.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
information

This is a general term used when referring to knowledge, news, or intelligence about something. It’s appropriate for formal and informal settings.

  • I need more information about the project.
  • She provided useful information during the meeting.
data

This term is used when referring to raw, unprocessed figures, numbers, or specifics that can be analyzed. It’s often used in scientific, technical, or statistical contexts.

  • The data shows a significant increase in sales.
  • We need to collect more data to make an informed decision.
facts

This term is suitable when referring to pieces of information that are objectively true and can be proven. Use it in discussions that need accuracy and reliability.

  • The facts don't support his claim.
  • We need to look at the facts before we proceed.
details

Use this word when referring to small pieces of information that are part of a larger whole. It’s often used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Can you give me the details of the agreement?
  • He didn't go into details about his plans.

Examples of usage

  • The book contains a lot of useful information.
  • She gave me some valuable information about the project.
Context #2 | Noun

knowledge acquired

Knowledge or intelligence obtained through study, communication, research, or instruction.

Synonyms

data, intelligence, knowledge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
information

General word for facts or details about someone or something, suitable for everyday use.

  • I need more information about the event to plan my trip.
  • The website provides information on local attractions.
knowledge

Refers to understanding, awareness, or familiarity gained through learning or experience; typically used in educational or intellectual contexts.

  • Her knowledge of history is impressive.
  • You need basic computer knowledge for this job.
intelligence

Often used in a military, governmental, or strategic context, implying collected information that is valuable, confidential, or secret.

  • The military uses intelligence to plan their operations.
  • They gathered intelligence on the enemy's movements.
data

Usually refers to raw, unprocessed facts and figures, often used in scientific, technical, or analytical contexts.

  • We gathered data from the experiment for analysis.
  • The data shows a significant increase in sales this quarter.

Examples of usage

  • He has a wide range of information on the subject.
  • Staying updated with the latest information is crucial.
Context #3 | Noun

informative content

Facts or details provided in a narrative, document, or other form of communication.

Synonyms

content, data, details.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
information

Use when talking about knowledge or facts that someone provides or discovers. It's a general term for pieces of knowledge.

  • I need more information about the new project.
  • She provided information about the company's history.
content

Best used when referring to material, such as text, images, or videos, that is made available for others to view or consume, especially in digital formats.

  • The website updates its content daily.
  • She writes content for various blogs.
details

Utilize when referring to specific features or important points of a larger topic. It often indicates a need for more in-depth information.

  • Please send me the details of the meeting.
  • Can you explain the details of the contract?
data

Appropriate for referring to raw, unprocessed facts and figures that can be used for analysis. Often used in technical, scientific, or statistical contexts.

  • We need to analyze the data from the experiment.
  • The report contains extensive data on customer behavior.

Examples of usage

  • The website offers a wealth of information on various topics.
  • The brochure contains detailed information about the services.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This word comes from the Latin word 'informare,' meaning 'to shape' or 'to form.'
  • The first known use in English was in the 14th century, where it meant 'to give form to.'
  • Over time, it evolved to mean the communication of knowledge.

Technology

  • The term 'information technology' (IT) emerged in the 1950s as computers began processing data.
  • The rapid growth of the Internet has made access to information faster and easier than before.
  • Big Data refers to large sets of information that can be analyzed to uncover patterns and insights.

Psychology

  • Humans process information using both the left (logical) and right (creative) hemispheres of the brain.
  • Cognitive overload occurs when too much information is given at once, making it hard to understand.
  • The way information is presented can affect how people feel and react to it.

Education

  • Information literacy is the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and effectively use it.
  • In the 21st century, critical thinking skills are emphasized to help learners assess information quality.
  • Constructivist learning theories suggest that knowledge is built upon existing information and experiences.

Pop Culture

  • Popular media often references the abundance of information in today's society, with phrases like 'information overload.'
  • Television shows and movies frequently depict espionage and intelligence gathering based on information acquisition.
  • Famous quotes about information, like 'knowledge is power,' highlight its importance in culture and society.

Translations

Translations of the word "information" in other languages:

🇵🇹 informação

🇮🇳 सूचना

🇩🇪 Information

🇮🇩 informasi

🇺🇦 інформація

🇵🇱 informacja

🇯🇵 情報 (じょうほう)

🇫🇷 information

🇪🇸 información

🇹🇷 bilgi

🇰🇷 정보 (jeongbo)

🇸🇦 معلومات

🇨🇿 informace

🇸🇰 informácia

🇨🇳 信息 (xìnxī)

🇸🇮 informacija

🇮🇸 upplýsingar

🇰🇿 ақпарат

🇬🇪 ინფორმაცია

🇦🇿 məlumat

🇲🇽 información

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #135, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.