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

Related Phrases

report cardphrase
a school report showing a student's grades
weather reportphrase
a forecast of expected weather conditions

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
suffix
English Dictionary