English Reference

Word

report

Phoneticsre·port, stress on the second syllable

/ɹiˈpɔɹt/

Definitions

01a written or spoken account

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a description of an event or situation, often written down for work or school.

n. a formal account or statement describing an event, situation, or investigation, typically presented in written or spoken form.

“I have to finish my progress report before the meeting starts at two o'clock.”

“The annual financial report provided a comprehensive overview of the company's performance across all international markets during the previous fiscal year.”

02sound of an explosion

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Literary

n. the loud, sharp noise made by a gun or an explosion.

n. the sudden, explosive sound produced by the discharge of a firearm or the detonation of an explosive.

“The sudden report of a rifle echoed through the quiet forest.”

“The sharp report of the starting pistol signaled the beginning of the race, causing the athletes to spring from their blocks.”

Synonyms

03to give information

A2 · Elementary

v. to tell someone about something that has happened, especially a crime or an accident.

v. to provide a spoken or written account of something observed, heard, or investigated.

“You should report the stolen car to the police immediately.”

“Witnesses were encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities to assist with the ongoing investigation.”

Antonyms

04to work under someone

B1 · Intermediate Business

v. to have someone as your manager or boss at work.

v. to be responsible to a specific person in a professional hierarchy.

“In my new job, I will report directly to the marketing director.”

“The regional managers report to the vice president, ensuring that local strategies align with the global corporate vision.”

Usage

Usually followed by the preposition 'to'.

Synonyms

answer to

05to arrive for duty

B1 · Intermediate Formal

v. to go to a place and say that you are there, ready to start work.

v. to present oneself at a specific place or time, typically for work or an official duty.

“Please report to the main office as soon as you arrive at the building.”

“All new recruits are required to report for duty at the barracks by no later than six o'clock on Monday morning.”

Usage

Often followed by 'to' (a place) or 'for' (a purpose).

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “report” in context.

01. additionally report 02. commonly report 03. correctly report 04. data report 05. detailed report 06. earlier report 07. frequently report 08. interestingly report 09. preliminary report 10. previously report 11. published report 12. recently report

Etymology

From Middle English reporten, from Anglo-Norman reporter, from Latin reportāre (“to carry back, return, remit, refer”), from re- + portāre.

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

Word family

Grammar

Domains

BusinessNauticalPolitics

This entry

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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/report

English Reference