informant
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A person who gives information to another, especially in a formal, systematic, or confidential context.
A person who provides data for linguistic or anthropological research, or a confidential source for authorities or journalists.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The term often implies a structured or official relationship where information is provided deliberately, not casually. It can carry neutral, positive (research), or negative (betrayal) connotations depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In intelligence/legal contexts, 'informant' is standard in both. 'Grass' (UK) and 'snitch' (US) are more informal/pejorative equivalents.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term is neutral in academic contexts (e.g., linguistics). In police/intelligence contexts, it can carry a slightly clandestine or morally ambiguous connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in journalistic/police contexts, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
informant for [an organisation]informant on [a subject]informant to [a person/body]informant in [a study/case]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “turn informant”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might refer to a source for market intelligence.
Academic
Common in linguistics, anthropology, sociology for a person providing native-speaker data or cultural insights.
Everyday
Uncommon. Associated with news reports about crime or espionage.
Technical
Standard in law enforcement, intelligence, journalism, and field research methodologies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The witness was later persuaded to informant for the agency. (Note: 'informant' as a verb is extremely rare/non-standard; 'inform' is used.)
American English
- The defendant hoped to informant on the cartel to reduce his sentence. (Note: 'informant' as a verb is extremely rare/non-standard; 'inform' or 'turn informant' is used.)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The informant data was crucial for the dialect study.
American English
- They reviewed the informant testimony carefully.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The journalist spoke to an informant about the story.
- The police got a tip from an informant.
- The anthropologist's key informant helped her understand local customs.
- Protecting the identity of a confidential informant is a legal duty.
- The research methodology relied heavily on data from native-speaker informants.
- The intelligence agency cultivated an informant within the terrorist cell for over two years.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
INFORM + ANT. Think of an ANT in a colony, gathering and reporting information back to the nest.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A COMMODITY (an informant 'provides' or 'supplies' it). A PERSON IS A CONDUIT (channeling information from one party to another).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct cognate 'информант' in casual contexts; it's a formal loanword in Russian. In police contexts, 'осведомитель' is more precise but carries strong negative connotations. Do not confuse with 'информатор' (more general news source).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'informer' and 'informant' interchangeably (they overlap, but 'informant' is broader and more formal). Confusing 'informant' with 'interviewee' (an informant provides data over time, not just in a single interview).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'informant' most likely to be NEUTRAL or POSITIVE?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A whistleblower exposes wrongdoing within their own organisation, often publicly. An informant provides information, often covertly, to an external authority like the police, and is not necessarily an insider exposing misconduct.
They are often synonymous in police contexts. However, 'informant' is broader and more formal, used in academic and official reports. 'Informer' is slightly more colloquial and often carries a stronger negative connotation of betrayal.
It's relatively uncommon. In casual talk, people might say 'source', 'contact', or more specific terms like 'witness' or 'tip-off'. 'Informant' sounds more formal or related to specific professional domains.
No. An informant implies a systematic or purposeful provision of information, often over time and within a defined relationship (research, investigation). For a casual opinion, use 'person', 'respondent', or simply 'someone'.