report - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
report Word Meanings
- to give an account of something
- to make something known
- to present information formally
report Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
report Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈpɔːt/
US
/rɪˈpɔrt/
report Word Etymology
report = re- (back) + port (carry) → Latin 'reportare' → Old French 'reporter' → English. Imagine a journalist carrying back news from the field to present to their audience.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I adjust my posture and lean in, fingers moving to pull up a data chart. As I set eyes on the numbers, I push a few keys and make the story rise into view. The act of reporting feels like steering a small ship—calm pressure, careful turns, a sense of pressing to be clear. Later I keep the thread steady, letting the result travel to someone who needs it.
Real Context
As a verb, report means to give an account of something, to make information known, or to present data formally. In business and journalism, people report on topics, report to a supervisor, or report back findings after an inspection. The verb often combines with objects (report the results) or with that-clauses (report that sales rose). It also appears in passive constructions: It was reported that the project was delayed. Learners should note common collocations such as report on, report to, and report back, and remember that report is distinct from tell or inform in formality and audience.
Usage Reminders
- Report to a specific person or group (report to your boss, report to the board).
- Use report on/about for the content you are presenting; e. g., report on the study.
- Use report back to indicate follow‑up or updates.
- Consider passive voice for formal announcements: It was reported that…
- Keep straight between report (verb) and a report (noun).
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing report with tell or inform; report emphasizes formal communication to an audience.
- Thinking report only refers to written documents; it also means spoken updates.
- Misusing report to mean complain or blame without presenting data.
- Assuming report always needs a direct object; some contexts use it with clauses (report that…).
- Overgeneralizing to all languages that ‘report’ always means to say something about a topic.
Thinking Differences
English often treats report as a formal act of communication directed at an audience; learners may default to simple tell or inform, missing the nuance of audience, formality, and the right prepositions.
Learning Tips
- Practice report to vs report on with real people and topics.
- Pair report with that-clauses to express content: report that sales rose.
- Use passive voice for formal announcements: It was reported that …
- Differentiate report from tell and inform by noting audience and formality.
- Practice with both spoken and written forms: briefs, emails, and presentations.
- Learn common collocations: report the findings, report back, report to management.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'report' mean?
A.To create a written or spoken account of something
B.To be silent
C.To enjoy leisure time
D.To play a musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'report'?
A.She will report her findings from the experiment.
B.He decided to report the song during the concert.
C.We must report for lunch at noon.
D.The teacher will report the grades next week.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'report'?
A.Jump
B.Run
C.Inform
D.Sleep
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'report'?
A.Announce
B.Conceal
C.Explain
D.Discuss
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might provide a report?
A.They went to the park on Sunday.
B.He always cooks dinner for his family.
C.After investigating the issue, she shared her findings with the group.
D.The children played outside all day.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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