Report

/rɪˈpɔːrt/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonBusiness
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases4 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A detailed account or statement, especially of a formal nature, of something that has happened or been observed.

/ˈriːpɔːrt/

nounneutralBeginner
Business

A written or spoken account of something.

The teacher asked the students to write a report on their research.

💡 Simply: A 'report' is like a detailed story, document, or summary of what happened or what someone found out. Imagine you’re a detective, and you're writing up what you saw at the scene. That's your report!

👶 For kids: A report is like a story that tells you about something that happened or what someone learned.

More Examples

2

The company issued an annual financial report.

3

The police filed a report after the incident.

How It's Used

News

"The news report covered the latest political developments."

Business

"The financial report showed a decline in profits."

Education

"Students receive report cards at the end of each grading period."

2

To give an account or description of (an event, situation, etc.), especially in a formal setting.

/rɪˈpɔːrt/

verbneutralBeginner
Business

To give a spoken or written account of something.

The journalist will report live from the scene of the fire.

💡 Simply: To 'report' is like telling someone something, especially if it's important or official. Imagine you're telling your parents what happened at school, or telling your boss about a problem at work.

👶 For kids: To report means to tell someone about something that happened.

More Examples

2

The employee was told to report to the manager.

3

The witness reported the theft to the police.

How It's Used

Journalism

"The journalist reported on the scene of the accident."

Workplace

"Employees are expected to report any safety concerns to their supervisor."

Law

"The witness reported the crime to the authorities."

Tip:Imagine you're reporting the weather – you're conveying information.
3

To present oneself to a person or at a place for a specific purpose.

/rɪˈpɔːrt/

verbneutralmedium
General

To present oneself formally.

All employees must report to the meeting at 9 AM.

💡 Simply: To 'report' can also mean to go somewhere, especially when you are expected. Imagine you need to go to the principal's office because the principal wants to see you. That's reporting!

👶 For kids: To report can mean to go and see someone like your teacher, or to a place like your room when you're told to.

More Examples

2

The new recruits will report for training next week.

3

Passengers need to report to the gate 30 minutes before departure.

How It's Used

Workplace

"Please report to reception immediately."

Military

"The soldiers were ordered to report for duty."

Tip:Think of 'reporting for duty' – showing up when you're expected.

Idioms & expressions

report for duty

To appear at a place, such as a military base or a place of work, for the purpose of fulfilling a duty.

"The soldiers were required to report for duty every morning at 0600 hours."

report back

To return and give an account or information.

"The team will report back to the manager after the investigation."

From Old French *reporter* (to carry back, relate), from Latin *reportare* (to carry back, relate), from *re-* (back) + *portare* (to carry).

The word 'report' has been used since the 14th century, evolving from its original meaning of 'to bring back' information or an account.

Memory tip

Think of a reporter giving the news – they're creating a report.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to carry back, relate"

report onfinancial reportpolice reportreport backreport to

Common misspellings

repportreaportreprot

Usage

45%Spoken
55%Written