WordGarden.ioinformational
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪnfəmˈeɪʃənəl/
US
- /ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃənəl/
Meanings
Adjective
intended to give facts or useful information
Beyond the definition
Something that is informational aims to teach you something new or give you useful details. Think of a documentary about penguins. It is made to explain and inform, not just to entertain, though it can do both.
Informational content is usually not focused on opinions. It is about presenting facts, details, and explanations. A news report about a scientific discovery can be informational. So can the label on your cereal box that explains its nutritional value. You might say a website has a lot of informational content if it is full of helpful facts. It contrasts with things made mainly to persuade or entertain, like advertisements or fiction stories.
The word "informational" describes something that is intended to provide facts, details, and knowledge about a particular subject. It focuses on conveying objective information rather than expressing emotions or trying to persuade the audience to take a specific side.
Think of it as a contrast to content that is mainly persuasive or entertaining. While an advertisement might try to make you feel a certain way so that you buy something, a textbook is designed to be informational, presenting facts and ideas for learning.
You will often encounter "informational" when describing content such as:
- Informational texts: These are non-fiction writings, such as technical manuals, reports, biographies, or encyclopedias.
- Informational interviews: Conversations where you gather information about a career field or industry rather than interviewing for a specific job opening.
- Informational emails/letters: Messages that simply share facts or updates without a "call to action" or sales pitch.
- Informational purposes: A common disclaimer used when data is shared only to provide knowledge, not as professional advice. ("This data is provided for informational purposes only.")
The rise of the internet has led to a massive increase in the informational content available at our fingertips. However, it's important to remember that just because something claims to be informational doesn't mean it's accurate. Always check your sources and look for reliable data. Ultimately, if you are seeking facts and objective explanations, you are looking for something informational.
Examples
- 1
School trip
The school held an informational meeting for parents before the trip.
- 2
Recycling
I watched a short informational video about how to recycle correctly.
- 3
Museum guide
The museum gives visitors an informational booklet at the front desk.
- 4
Career research
She arranged an informational interview with a nurse to learn more about the job.
- Phraseinformational interview
a meeting to learn about a job, not a formal job interview
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Email notice
The email was sent for informational purposes only, so you do not need to reply.
- Phrasefor informational purposes only
only to give information
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- informational text
- informational interview
- informational website
Word family
Explore
- exposition
- reference material
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- informationaladjective