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REFERENCE

report

n. · v.
US //ɹiˈpɔɹt// re·port
  1. 1 a written or spoken account (n.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 2 sound of an explosion (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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  1. 3 to give information (v.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

    You should report the stolen car to the police immediately.

    Example

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

  2. 4 to work under someone (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Business

    to have someone as your manager or boss at work.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.

    • answer to
  3. 5 to arrive for duty (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Formal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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).

Origin

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

Word family

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