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informed

adj.
US //ˌɪnˈfɔɹmd// UK //ɪnfˈɔːmd// in·formed
  1. 1 knowledgeable (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having a lot of knowledge or information about a specific subject.

    possessing or exhibiting a high level of knowledge or education regarding a particular field or set of facts.

    Example

    She is very informed about the current political situation in Europe.

    Example

    The panel consisted of highly informed experts who had spent decades researching the socio-economic impacts of urban sprawl.
  2. 2 based on facts (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing a choice or opinion that is based on solid facts and understanding.

    grounded in or characterized by a thorough understanding of the relevant facts and circumstances.

    Example

    Reading different news sources helps you make an informed choice when you vote.

    Example

    The board reached an informed decision only after reviewing the comprehensive financial audits and market projections provided by the consultants.
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  1. 3 astronomy/stars (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Science

    an old word for stars that were not part of a known group or constellation.

    referring to stars not included within the boundaries of any of the anciently recognized constellations.

    Example

    The old map showed several informed stars that did not belong to any constellation.

    Example

    In early astronomical catalogues, certain stars were described as informed because they sat outside the traditional Ptolemaic figures.

    Usage

    In modern astronomy, this term has been replaced by 'unformed' or specific coordinate designations.
    • unformed
    • unassigned
Etymology 1

From inform + -ed.

Etymology 2

From in- + formed; the first sense probably uses in- (“in”), while the second sense uses in- (“prefix of negation”).

Word family

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