Report vs. Minutes — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 20, 2023
A report is a detailed account of an event or subject, while minutes are a concise record of proceedings from a meeting.
Difference Between Report and Minutes
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A report is a comprehensive document that details specific information, research, or findings about a particular topic. Minutes, on the other hand, are the written records of the discussions and decisions made during a meeting or gathering.
The structure of a report and minutes significantly differs. Reports usually follow a format that begins with an introduction, includes a methodology (if research-based), presents findings, and ends with a conclusion or recommendations. Minutes, however, are chronologically structured, noting the sequence of events in a meeting, starting with attendance and moving through each agenda item.
In terms of purpose, a report is generally created to inform, persuade, or recommend. It's a tool used to communicate detailed information to a wider audience. Minutes are more about documentation, providing an official record for a specific group or organization of what was discussed and decided upon during a meeting.
The length and depth of content also vary. Reports can be quite lengthy, depending on the depth of the research or topic, and are often intended for wider distribution. Minutes tend to be shorter and more concise, focusing only on the key points of the discussion and decisions made, aimed primarily for the attendees or members of the organization.
The process of creation for both differs. Reports often require extensive research, analysis, and drafting. They're meticulously prepared to convey information effectively. Minutes, however, are typically taken in real-time during the meeting by a designated individual, capturing the essential points and decisions made.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To inform, persuade, or recommend based on detailed information.
To document discussions and decisions in a meeting.
Structure
Introduction, methodology, findings, conclusion.
Chronological order of meeting events.
Length and Depth
Can be lengthy and in-depth.
Typically concise and to the point.
Creation Process
Requires research, analysis, and drafting.
Taken in real-time during a meeting.
Intended Audience
Wider audience or specific stakeholders.
Attendees or members of the organization.
Compare with Definitions
Report
A detailed account or statement about a particular matter or event.
She gave a thorough report on the conference to the team.
Minutes
A brief note or summary of what was said or decided.
The secretary took minutes during the team's brainstorming session.
Report
A written document describing the findings of an investigation or research.
The scientist published a report on his groundbreaking findings.
Minutes
The official written record of the proceedings of a meeting.
She reviewed the minutes from last month's board meeting.
Report
A report is a document that presents information in an organized format for a specific audience and purpose. Although summaries of reports may be delivered orally, complete reports are almost always in the form of written documents.
Minutes
Units of time equal to one sixtieth of an hour.
It takes him fifteen minutes to walk to the store.
Report
To make a report, or response, in respect of a matter inquired of, a duty enjoined, or information expected; as, the committee will report at twelve o'clock.
Minutes
A precise moment or point in time.
Wait a minute, I need to grab my coat!
Report
A formal assessment with statements of facts or opinions.
The teacher provided a report on the student's progress.
Minutes
A formalized record of actions, decisions, and resolutions.
The minutes from the annual meeting were distributed to all members.
Report
To return or present as the result of an examination or consideration of any matter officially referred.
The committee reported the bill with amendments, or reported a new bill, or reported the results of an inquiry.
Minutes
Minutes, also known as minutes of meeting (abbreviation MoM), protocols or, informally, notes, are the instant written record of a meeting or hearing. They typically describe the events of the meeting and may include a list of attendees, a statement of the issues considered by the participants, and related responses or decisions for the issues.
Report
To take minutes of (a speech, the doings of a public body, etc.); to write down from the lips of a speaker.
Minutes
A unit of angular measurement equal to one sixtieth of a degree, or 60 seconds. Also called arcminute, minute of arc.
Report
Rapport; relation; connection; reference.
The corridors worse, having no report to the wings they join to.
Minutes
A note or summary covering points to be remembered; a memorandum.
Report
To return or repeat, as sound; to echo.
Minutes
Minutes An official record of the proceedings of a meeting.
Report
To give an official account or statement of; as, a treasurer reports the receipts and expenditures.
Minutes
To record in a memorandum or the minutes of a meeting.
Report
To make minutes of, as a speech, or the doings of a public body; to write down from the lips of a speaker.
Minutes
Plural of minute
Report
To return or present as the result of an examination or consideration of any matter officially referred; as, the committee reported the bill witth amendments, or reported a new bill, or reported the results of an inquiry.
Minutes
The official notes kept during a meeting.
Report
A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;
This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale
Minutes
A unit of time equal to one sixtieth of an hour, or 60 seconds.
Report
A notification or warning, especially of something observed or anticipated.
The weather report predicts rain for tomorrow.
Minutes
A measure of the distance one can cover in a minute
Lives ten minutes from school.
Report
A formal account of the proceedings or transactions of a group
A company's annual report.
Minutes
A short interval of time; moment.
Report
A spoken or written account of an event, usually presented in detail
A news report.
Reports of children getting food poisoning.
Minutes
A specific point in time
Stop that this minute!.
Report
To give an account of; to relate; to tell; to circulate publicly, as a story; as, in the common phrase, it is reported.
It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel.
Minutes
A written account of what transpired at a meeting
Report
To return or repeat, as sound; to echo.
Report
To write an account of for publication, as in a newspaper; as, to report a public celebration or a horse race.
Report
To make a statement of the conduct of, especially in an unfavorable sense; as, to report a servant to his employer.
Report
To present one's self, as to a superior officer, or to one to whom service is due, and to be in readiness for orders or to do service; also, to give information, as of one's address, condition, etc.; as, the officer reported to the general for duty; to report weekly by letter.
Report
That which is reported.
It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and . . . of good report among all the nation of the Jews.
Report
Sound; noise; as, the report of a pistol or cannon.
Report
A short account of the news;
The report of his speech
The story was on the 11 o'clock news
The account of his speech that was given on the evening news made the governor furious
Report
The act of informing by verbal report;
He heard reports that they were causing trouble
By all accounts they were a happy couple
Report
An essay (especially one written as an assignment);
He got an A on his composition
Report
The general estimation that the public has for a person;
He acquired a reputation as an actor before he started writing
He was a person of bad report
Report
To give an account or representation of in words;
Discreet Italian police described it in a manner typically continental
Report
Announce as the result of an investigation, or announce something to the proper authorities;
Dozens of incidents of wife beatings are reported daily in this city
The team reported significant advances in their research
Report
Announce one's presence;
I report to work every day at 9 o'clock
Report
Make known to the authorities;
One student reported the other to the principal
Report
Be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism;
Snow reported on China in the 1950's
The cub reporter covered New York City
Report
Complain about; make a charge against;
I reported her to the superviser
Report
A brief news item or summary.
The evening news had a short report on the local parade.
Report
A person who is accountable or subordinate to another person within a company or organization
A manager with two reports.
Report
Reports(Law) Bound volumes containing the published court opinions in legal cases, intended to provide a reference for precedents in subsequent cases.
Report
Reputation; repute
We know him only by report.
Report
(Archaic) Common talk; rumor or gossip.
Report
An explosive noise
The report of a rifle.
Report
To make or present an official or formal account of
The study reported a decline in heart disease. The audit reports that the company lost money.
Report
To write or provide an account or summation of for publication or broadcast
Report the news.
Report
To tell about the presence or occurrence of
A burglar was reported in the area.
Report
To relate or tell, especially from personal experience
They reported that fallen tree limbs were blocking the road.
Report
To submit or relate the results of considerations concerning
The committee reported the bill.
Report
To carry back and repeat to another
Reported the rumor of a strike.
Report
To complain about or denounce
Reported the students to the principal.
Report
To make a report
Would you please report on what happened?.
Report
To serve as a reporter for a publication, broadcasting company, or other news media.
Report
To present oneself
Report for duty.
Report
To be accountable or subordinate to someone
She reports directly to the board of directors.
Report
(transitive) To repeat (something one has heard), to retell; to pass on, convey (a message, information etc.).
Report
To take oneself (to someone or something) for guidance or support; to appeal.
Report
To notify someone of (particular intelligence, suspicions, illegality, misconduct etc.); to make notification to relevant authorities; to submit a formal report of.
For insurance reasons, I had to report the theft to the local police station.
Report
(transitive) To make a formal statement, especially of complaint, about (someone).
If you do that again I'll report you to the boss.
Report
(intransitive) To show up or appear at an appointed time; to present oneself.
Report
(ambitransitive) To write news reports (for); to cover as a journalist or reporter.
Andrew Marr reports now on more in-fighting at Westminster.
Every newspaper reported the war.
Report
(intransitive) To be accountable to or subordinate to (someone) in a hierarchy; to receive orders from (someone); to give official updates to (someone who is above oneself in a hierarchy).
The financial director reports to the CEO.
Now that I've been promoted, I report to Benjamin, whom I loathe.
Report
(obsolete) To refer.
Report
A piece of information describing, or an account of certain events given or presented to someone, with the most common adpositions being by (referring to creator of the report) and on (referring to the subject).
A report by the telecommunications ministry on the phone network revealed a severe capacity problem.
Report
Reputation.
Report
(firearms) The sharp, loud sound from a gun or explosion.
Report
An employee whose position in a corporate hierarchy is below that of a particular manager.
Report
To refer.
Baldwin, his son, . . . succeeded his father; so like unto him that we report the reader to the character of King Almeric, and will spare the repeating his description.
Report
To bring back, as an answer; to announce in return; to relate, as what has been discovered by a person sent to examine, explore, or investigate; as, a messenger reports to his employer what he has seen or ascertained; the committee reported progress.
There is no man that may reporten all.
Report
To furnish in writing an account of a speech, the proceedings at a meeting, the particulars of an occurrence, etc., for publication.
Report
A sharp explosive sound (especially the sound of a gun firing);
They heard a violent report followed by silence
Report
A written evaluation of a student's scholarship and deportment;
His father signed his report card
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of a report?
A report primarily aims to inform, persuade, or recommend based on detailed, organized information or research.
Can reports be oral?
Yes, while reports are often written, they can also be presented orally, especially in meetings or briefings.
How do minutes serve in organizational contexts?
Minutes serve as an official record of discussions and decisions made during a meeting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Is a report always based on research?
No, while many reports are research-based, a report can simply be a detailed account or statement about a specific topic or event.
Who typically writes the minutes of a meeting?
Minutes are usually taken by a designated individual, often referred to as a secretary or minute-taker, who attends the meeting.
What if something is missed in the minutes?
It's crucial to ensure accuracy in minutes. If something is missed or incorrect, it should be amended and approved by the relevant parties, preferably before finalizing.
Can a report be subjective?
While reports aim to be objective, they can contain subjective elements, especially when discussing interpretations or recommendations.
How are minutes usually formatted?
Minutes typically follow a chronological order, starting with attendance, then moving through each agenda item, decisions made, and any other relevant discussions.
Why are reports important in a business context?
Reports provide detailed insights, findings, and recommendations, helping businesses make informed decisions and strategies.
Are minutes legally binding?
Minutes can serve as legal evidence of decisions and actions taken during a meeting, especially in formal contexts like board meetings, but they themselves aren't legally binding agreements.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
