English Reference
adjective

informative

adj.
US /ˌɪnˈfɔɹmətɪv/ UK /ɪnfˈɔːmətˌɪv/ in·for·ma·tive

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    providing useful or interesting facts that help you learn about a subject.

    providing significant, useful, or interesting information. This is the standard modern sense used in educational and professional contexts.

    Simple

    The documentary was very informative and taught me a lot about history.

    In context

    The keynote speaker delivered an exceptionally informative presentation, providing the board with the precise data required to finalise the merger.

    uninformativeuseless
  2. 02 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal Law

    describing a part of a document that gives extra information but does not set rules.

    referring to a section of a technical standard or legal document that provides guidance rather than mandatory requirements.

    Simple

    The first chapter of the manual is informative and just explains the history of the tool.

    In context

    While the main body of the treaty is legally binding, the informative annexes serve only to clarify the historical context of the agreement.

    Usage

    Often contrasted with 'normative' in technical specifications.

    advisorynon normative

From inform + -ative.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated