Reporting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reporting

[rɪˈpɔːtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

communication

Giving an account of something that has happened, especially in an official way. Reporting can also refer to the act of informing someone about the latest developments or news.

Synonyms

describing, informing, telling, updating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reporting

Used in formal or professional situations, such as news, business, or law, where information is systematically presented.

  • The journalist is reporting live from the scene of the accident.
  • She is reporting to her manager about the project progress.
informing

Used when notifying someone about something important, usually in a formal or semi-formal way.

  • The teacher is informing the parents about the new school policies.
  • I am informing you that the meeting has been rescheduled.
telling

Used in casual or informal situations to communicate facts or events, often involves personal or conversational tone.

  • He is telling his friend about his weekend.
  • She is telling a story to the children.
describing

Used when detailing or explaining the characteristics, appearance, or nature of someone or something.

  • He was describing the beautiful sunset.
  • She spent hours describing her dream vacation to her friends.
updating

Used when providing the latest information or developments, often in a technological or situational context.

  • The software is updating to the latest version.
  • The company is updating its employees on the new safety protocols.

Examples of usage

  • She was reporting on the latest political scandal for the evening news.
  • The journalist is reporting live from the scene of the accident.
  • He needs to report to the manager about the progress of the project.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'report' comes from the Latin word 'reportare', meaning to bring back news.
  • In the 1600s, word of events was shared through handwritten reports, often by government officials.
  • By the 19th century, the press became a key player in society, leading to the rise of modern journalism.

Media and Journalism

  • Investigative reporting has been crucial in uncovering scandals, like the Watergate scandal that led to a president's resignation.
  • The role of a reporter often includes gathering information, interviewing sources, and presenting the facts clearly to the public.
  • Digital media has transformed traditional reporting, allowing for instant updates through social media platforms.

Psychology

  • How information is reported can affect public perception; for instance, framing of news stories can influence emotional responses.
  • Cognitive bias in reporting can lead to sensationalism, where facts are exaggerated or presented in a misleading way.
  • The attention to certain types of news can shape societal values and concerns, demonstrating the power of media narratives.

Literature

  • Many novels and memoirs employ a reporting style to narrate events, blending factual truths with storytelling for dramatic effect.
  • Literary journalism combines fiction and reporting, exploring deeper truths and personal insights behind current events.
  • Classic works often reflect on the role of the observer, showcasing how reporting can tell more than just facts but also convey human experience.

Technology

  • With advances in AI, automated reporting tools are emerging, generating basic news articles by processing data efficiently.
  • Mobile journalism allows reporters to capture and share news instantaneously, raising questions about accuracy and ethics.
  • The rise of citizen journalism, where everyday individuals report events via smartphones, is reshaping traditional news gathering.

Origin of 'reporting'

The word 'reporting' originates from the Old French word 'reporter', which means 'to relate, refer' or 'to carry back'. The term evolved over time to include the idea of giving an account of something, especially in a formal or official manner. The concept of reporting has been essential in human communication and governance, allowing for the dissemination of information and accountability.


See also: misreport, report, reportedly, reporter.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,442, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.