informative
UK[ɪnˈfɔːmətɪv]US[ɪnˈfɔːrmətɪv]
adj
Providing useful or interesting information.
adj
Serving to instruct or educate.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
form
ative
in
in
form
shape
ative
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'informative' is built upon the Latin verb 'informare', which literally meant "to shape, to give form to, to train or instruct". This verb itself combined the prefix 'in-' (into) with 'forma' (a form, shape, or pattern). The core concept was that to inform someone was to shape their mind with knowledge, giving form to their thoughts. The English adjective was formed by adding the productive suffix '-ative', which denotes a tendency or function. Thus, the literal progression from the concrete idea of "putting into a shape" evolved into the modern abstract sense of "serving to provide knowledge or data".
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + form (shape) + ative (adjective suffix)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "in, into, on".
- form: Latin origin (from 'forma'), meaning "shape, form, appearance".
- ative: Latin suffix '-ativus' (via Old French '-atif'), forming adjectives meaning "tending to, serving for".
Examples
The documentary was highly informative and well-researched.
She gave an informative talk on the history of the city.
The museum's exhibits are both entertaining and informative.