Word
informational
Phoneticsin·for·ma·tion·al, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnfɝˈmeɪʃənəɫ/
UK/ˌɪnfəmˈeɪʃənəl/
Definition
adj. giving facts or details about a subject. You use this to describe things like books, websites, or talks that help you learn something new.
adj. relating to or providing facts and knowledge. Typically used attributively to describe media or communication intended to educate rather than entertain.
Examples
“The website provides informational videos about healthy eating.”
“The museum guide gave an informational talk about the history of the local ruins.”
“While the documentary was visually stunning, its primary value was informational, offering a detailed breakdown of the complex geopolitical factors that led to the conflict.”
Examples
simple
“The website provides informational videos about healthy eating.”
contextual
“The museum guide gave an informational talk about the history of the local ruins.”
complex
“While the documentary was visually stunning, its primary value was informational, offering a detailed breakdown of the complex geopolitical factors that led to the conflict.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often contrasted with 'promotional' or 'entertainment'.
Pitfall
an informative website
an informational website
While often used interchangeably, 'informational' describes the purpose of the content, whereas 'informative' suggests the content was actually helpful or enlightening.
Real-World Examples
“Rather than measuring every candidate, an impossible task even with modern robotics, the model flagged the sequences about which it was least confident, ensuring that each round of experiments delivered maximum informational value.” “Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is for informational purposes and is not intended to be investment advice or an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any security.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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