DictionaryRoot: -er
English

-er

a person or thing that does something

Forms

  • -er
  • -r — Used after some bases ending in e.

Origin

Old English -ere, generally traced through Germanic to Latin -arius.

Note

It can name a tool as readily as a person. The comparison ending in taller has a different history.

71 / 113
noun

reporter

Someone who gathers and presents news.

The reporter interviews local residents about the new bus route.

Etymology

The source image is carrying information back. A reporter performs that role professionally by gathering news and communicating it to an audience.

More examples

  • A sports reporter asks the coach about tonight's game.
  • Reporters check their facts before publishing a story.
  • Our radio reporter brings us the latest election results.

Forms

reporter · reporters

report verb — To gather and present news publicly.

Similar words

journalist
A broader term covering news gathering, writing, and editing.
correspondent
Usually reports from a particular location or on a specialty.