information
UK[ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn]US[ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃn]
n
facts or details about a person, company, product, etc.
n
data that is processed, stored, or transmitted by a computer.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
form
ation
in
in
form
shape
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'information' originates from the Latin verb 'informare', which meant 'to shape, form, or give shape to an idea'. This verb itself was composed of 'in-' (into) and 'forma' (a form or pattern). In its earliest philosophical and scholastic uses, 'information' referred to the act of giving form or essential character to the mind—imparting knowledge. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from the process of forming the mind to the abstract result: the facts, data, or knowledge that has been imparted or communicated, thus moving from the concept of shaping to the shaped content itself.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + form (shape) + ation (noun suffix)
- in: Latin prefix meaning 'in', 'into', or 'upon'.
- form: Latin root 'forma', meaning 'shape', 'mold', or 'pattern'.
- ation: Latin-derived noun suffix indicating an action, process, or result.
Examples
The website provides useful information about local travel.
I need more information before I can make a decision.
The system is designed to process large amounts of digital information.