Educate vs. Inform: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
"Educate" means to provide knowledge or skills over a period, while "Inform" is to give specific information about a particular topic.
Key Differences
"Educate" generally involves a structured and prolonged process that aims to instill knowledge, skills, and values. On the other hand, "Inform" is a more immediate action that imparts specific details or facts about something. When we educate someone, we may be aiming to shape their understanding or abilities over time. Contrastingly, to inform someone typically means offering them particular data or facts without necessarily delving into the broader context or implications.
The act of educating often takes place in formal settings like schools and universities, but can also be informal. It often involves curriculum, guidance, or training. Informing, however, can be done anywhere, anytime. It's as simple as telling someone the weather forecast or as intricate as providing a detailed report on a certain event.
Furthermore, the motive behind education often extends beyond the mere transmission of facts. Educators aim to foster comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge. Informing, however, doesn't always have this deeper intent. Its primary purpose is to make someone aware of something.
Lastly, the tools and methods used in education differ greatly from those used to inform. Education may involve textbooks, practical lessons, assignments, and tests. Informing, meanwhile, might simply involve a conversation, an email, a news article, or a memo.
Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Imparting knowledge, skills, and values
Conveying specific details or facts
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Duration
Prolonged and structured
Typically immediate and specific
Setting
Often formal (e.g., schools) but can be informal
Any context
Tools/Methods
Textbooks, lessons, assignments
Conversations, emails, news articles
Intended Outcome
Comprehensive understanding, application of knowledge
Awareness, basic understanding
Educate and Inform Definitions
Educate
To provide information to; to make aware.
They aim to educate people about the importance of a balanced diet.
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Inform
To give knowledge of a fact or circumstance to.
She called to inform him of the changes.
Educate
To train or instruct in a particular field or subject.
He was educated as a mechanical engineer.
Inform
To notify or supply with intelligence or knowledge.
He wrote a letter to inform them of his decision.
Educate
To develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by teaching.
Museums have a mission to educate the public.
Inform
To shape the form or character of; influence.
Experiences that inform our world view.
Educate
To provide intellectual, moral, and social instruction.
She decided to educate her children at home.
Inform
To be a pervasive presence in; animate.
Traditions that inform the city's culture.
Educate
To develop the mental, moral, or social capabilities of, especially by schooling or instruction.
Inform
To impart information to; make aware of something
We were informed by mail of the change in plans. The nurse informed me that visiting hours were over.
Educate
To provide with knowledge or training in a particular area or for a particular purpose
Decided to educate herself in foreign languages.
Entered a seminary to be educated for the priesthood.
Inform
To acquaint (oneself) with knowledge of a subject.
Educate
To provide with information, as in an effort to gain support for a position or to influence behavior
Hoped to educate the voters about the need for increased spending on public schools.
Inform
To give form or character to; imbue with a quality or an essence
"A society's strength is measured by ... its ability to inform a future generation with its moral standards" (Vanity Fair).
Educate
To develop or refine (one's taste or appreciation, for example).
Inform
To be a formative or characterizing presence in; animate
"It is this brash, backroom sensibility that informs his work as a novelist" (Jeff Shear).
Educate
To teach or instruct a person or group.
Inform
(Obsolete) To form (the mind or character) by teaching or training.
Educate
To instruct or train
Inform
To give or provide information.
Educate
To bring up or guide the powers of, as a child; to develop and cultivate, whether physically, mentally, or morally, but more commonly limited to the mental activities or senses; to expand, strengthen, and discipline, as the mind, a faculty, etc.; to form and regulate the principles and character of; to prepare and fit for any calling or business by systematic instruction; to cultivate; to train; to instruct; as, to educate a child; to educate the eye or the taste.
Inform
To disclose confidential or incriminating information to an authority
The defendant informed against the other members of the ring.
Educate
Give an education to;
We must educate our youngsters better
Inform
To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
Educate
Create by training and teaching;
The old master is training world-class violinists
We develop the leaders for the future
Inform
(transitive) To communicate knowledge to.
Educate
Train to be discriminative in taste or judgment;
Cultivate your musical taste
Train your tastebuds
She is well schooled in poetry
Inform
(intransitive) To impart information or knowledge.
Educate
To enlighten or refine intellectually or morally.
Travel can educate and broaden the mind.
Inform
To act as an informer; denounce.
Inform
(transitive) To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
His sense of religion informs everything he writes.
Inform
To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
Inform
To direct, guide.
Inform
To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Inform
Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
Inform
To give form or share to; to give vital or organizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion.
Let others better mold the running massOf metals, and inform the breathing brass.
Breath informs this fleeting frame.
Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part.
Inform
To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to enlighten; - usually followed by of.
For he would learn their business secretly,And then inform his master hastily.
I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
Inform
To communicate a knowledge of facts to, by way of accusation; to warn against anybody.
Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul.
Inform
To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
It is the bloody business which informsThus to mine eyes.
Inform
To give intelligence or information; to tell.
He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught.
Inform
Impart knowledge of some fact, state or affairs, or event to;
I informed him of his rights
Inform
Give character or essence to;
The principles that inform modern teaching
Inform
Act as an informer;
She had informed on her own parents for years
Inform
To provide (someone) with essential or newly acquired information.
The briefing will inform us about the latest updates.
FAQs
Is "Educate" typically a longer process than "Inform"?
Yes, "Educate" usually refers to a longer, more structured process, while "Inform" can be immediate.
What does "Educate" primarily mean?
"Educate" means to provide systematic instruction, especially in a school or college setting.
What is the core meaning of "Inform"?
"Inform" means to give someone facts or information.
Is it accurate to say a newspaper article "Informs" its readers?
Yes, a newspaper article provides specific details or facts, thus informing its readers.
Is it right to use "Inform" when referring to notifying someone?
Yes, "Inform" can be used when notifying someone about a particular detail or fact.
Can life experiences "Educate" you?
Absolutely, life experiences can educate by providing practical knowledge and insights.
Can you "Inform" someone unintentionally?
Yes, one can inadvertently provide information or make someone aware of a fact.
Is "Educate" more associated with deeper understanding?
Generally, yes. "Educate" aims for comprehensive understanding, skill development, and values instillation.
Can a documentary both "Educate" and "Inform"?
Absolutely, a documentary can educate by providing deeper context and insights, and inform by presenting specific facts.
Can you "Educate" someone without formal schooling?
Yes, education can occur outside formal institutions, such as through mentorship, experiences, or self-study.
If someone shares news, are they "Informing"?
Yes, sharing news is a way of informing someone about recent events or facts.
Can you "Inform" someone through visuals alone?
Yes, visuals like charts, infographics, and images can convey information and thus inform.
Are there tools specifically designed to "Educate"?
Yes, tools like textbooks, online courses, and training programs are designed to educate.
Can simple gestures "Inform" someone of an intention?
Absolutely, non-verbal cues like gestures can inform others about feelings or intentions.
Can a warning sign "Inform" people of danger?
Yes, warning signs inform people about potential risks or dangers in specific areas.
Is it always a teacher's job to "Educate"?
While teachers play a primary role, anyone providing instruction, knowledge, or skills is educating.
Is it correct to say seminars "Educate" attendees?
Yes, seminars provide structured information and insights, aiming to educate attendees.
Do both "Educate" and "Inform" have roots in Latin?
Yes, "Educate" comes from Latin "educare" (to bring up, train) and "Inform" from Latin "informare" (to shape, describe).
Is it accurate to say parents "Educate" their children about values?
Yes, parents play a crucial role in educating their children about values, ethics, and morals.
Is there an overlap between the acts of "Educating" and "Informing"?
Yes, while educating usually involves a deeper process, it often includes elements of informing by providing specific details or facts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
