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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.
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.
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.
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').
In formal writing or professional contexts, prefer 'report' over casual alternatives like 'tell' or 'say'.
A report should be factual and objective. Avoid subjective language unless it's part of an analysis section.
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.
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.