report
Definitions
To give a formal or official account of facts or events; to cover news as a journalist; to present oneself at a designated place.
正式汇报，报告；作为记者进行报道；到指定地点报到。
A written or spoken account of facts, events, or findings; a piece of journalism or an official document.
（事实、事件或调查结果的）书面或口头报告；新闻报道；官方文件。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + port (carry) = carry back. To 'report' is to carry information back to someone — you gather facts and bring them back as an account.
Root port still carries 95 more wordsWhy It Means This
At its core, 'report' means to carry something back. In ancient times, a messenger would carry news back to a ruler or authority. Over centuries, this evolved into giving a formal account of events — whether a journalist reporting the news, an employee reporting to a manager, or a student reporting findings. The word also extended to the document itself: the written report you hand in.
Usage Guide
As a verb: 'report on' (cover a topic), 'report to' (present oneself or be accountable to someone), 'report back' (return with information). As a noun: 'annual report', 'news report', 'weather report'. Stress is on the second syllable: re-PORT for both verb and noun.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The journalist will report on the election results tonight.
- 2.
Please report to the front desk when you arrive.
- 3.
The annual report showed a significant increase in revenue.
- 4.
Several witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion.
Easily Confused
'Report' vs 'record': A report is an organized account meant for communication, while a record is raw documentation kept for reference. You write a report to inform others; you keep a record for future lookup.
Synonym Comparison
- account — a narrative description of events
- statement — a brief, official declaration of facts
- summary — a condensed version of longer content