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report
/rɪˈpɔːrt/
official account or record
The committee will submit its report on climate change next week.
The committee will present its official findings about climate change next week.
formal
An official document or account containing information about an event, investigation, or situation.
The police filed a report on the accident.
The police documented the accident in an official record.
She wrote a report on the company's financial performance.
She prepared an official document analyzing the company's financial results.
Often used in academic, business, or governmental contexts.
formal
To give a spoken or written account of something observed, heard, or investigated.
The witness reported the incident to the police.
The witness informed the police about what they saw.
He reported for duty at 8 AM.
He arrived to start his shift at 8 AM.
Can imply both communication of information and compliance with instructions.
literary
A sudden loud noise, typically from a gun or explosion.
The report of the gun echoed through the valley.
The loud sound of the gunshot was heard across the valley.
Rare usage, primarily in literature or historical contexts.
Collocations
annual reporta yearly document summarizing a company's activities and financial performancepolice reportan official document recording a crime or incidentfield reporta firsthand account from someone working in a particular areareport backto return and give information about a task or missionreport toto present oneself formally to a superior or authority
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Prepositions with 'report'
Use 'to' when someone is the recipient of the report (e.g., 'report to your manager'). Use 'on' when specifying the topic (e.g., 'report on the project status').
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In formal writing or professional contexts, prefer 'report' over casual alternatives like 'tell' or 'say'.
Accuracy in Reporting
A report should be factual and objective. Avoid subjective language unless it's part of an analysis section.
Word Origin
Middle English (originally in the sense 'bring back, carry back'): from Old French *report-er* 'to bring back', from Latin *reportare*, from *re-* 'back' + *portare* 'carry'. The sense 'give an account of' dates from the late 16th century.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'report' often takes the preposition 'to' (report to someone) or 'on' (report on a topic). In formal contexts, it implies an obligation to provide information. The noun form is commonly used in academic, business, and governmental settings.
Word Breakdown
re-
back, again
prefix-port-
to carry
root-t
past participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary