Report vs. Reportage — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
A report is a formal account or statement describing an event or situation, often used in professional or academic contexts; reportage refers to the process of reporting news or events, typically in journalism.
Difference Between Report and Reportage
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A report often presents factual information in a structured format, typically for business, science, or academic purposes. It emphasizes clarity and precision. On the other hand, reportage involves the detailed and vivid narration of events, focusing on a narrative style that is more engaging and descriptive.
Reports are usually objective and direct, aiming to inform or analyze specific data or outcomes. Whereas, reportage not only informs but also seeks to convey the atmosphere or context of events, often using a more subjective and immersive approach.
The audience for a report is generally specialized, such as business executives, scholars, or policymakers, requiring technical language or specific data. Conversely, reportage targets a broader audience, aiming to make the news accessible and interesting to the general public.
In reports, the format is often rigid, including sections like an abstract, methodology, results, and conclusion. On the other hand, reportage can vary in structure, adapting to the needs of the story or the medium through which it is delivered, such as newspapers, radio, or television.
The purpose of a report is to document, analyze, and often to make recommendations based on the information gathered. In contrast, the purpose of reportage is to narrate, describe, and bring news events to life for readers or viewers, often with an emotional component.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal, structured document detailing an analysis.
A detailed narrative description of news events.
Purpose
To inform, analyze, or recommend.
To narrate and evoke the context of events.
Style
Objective, precise.
Descriptive, narrative, sometimes subjective.
Audience
Specialized (e.g., academics, executives).
General public.
Format
Often structured with specific sections.
Flexible, adapted to storytelling needs.
Compare with Definitions
Report
A document detailing the outcomes of a study.
The team submitted their final report yesterday.
Reportage
The style of reporting detailed news.
The newspaper is known for its thorough reportage.
Report
A systematic presentation of data.
The annual report highlights the company's profits and losses.
Reportage
Writing that conveys the atmosphere of scenes.
Her reportage captured the city's vibrant street life.
Report
A formal account of an incident.
The accident report was filed by the police officer.
Reportage
Journalism that narrates events as they unfold.
His reportage of the war brought him several accolades.
Report
A written assessment of a student’s performance.
The school sends out reports at the end of each term.
Reportage
Broadcasting of live events.
The reportage of the parade was colorful and detailed.
Report
A business analysis document.
She prepared a detailed report on market trends.
Reportage
Narrative journalism.
His reportage blends facts with anecdotal evidence.
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.
Reportage
The reporting of news or information of general interest.
Report
A formal account of the proceedings or transactions of a group
A company's annual report.
Reportage
Something reported.
Report
A spoken or written account of an event, usually presented in detail
A news report.
Reports of children getting food poisoning.
Reportage
The reporting of news, especially by an eyewitness.
Report
A person who is accountable or subordinate to another person within a company or organization
A manager with two reports.
Reportage
News or information that has been reported; media coverage of a topic or event.
Report
Reports(Law) Bound volumes containing the published court opinions in legal cases, intended to provide a reference for precedents in subsequent cases.
Reportage
Information supplied in a report.
Report
Reputation; repute
We know him only by report.
Reportage
SAme as Report.
Report
(Archaic) Common talk; rumor or gossip.
Reportage
The news as presented by reporters for newspapers or radio or television;
They accused the paper of biased coverage of race relations
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
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.
Report
To take minutes of (a speech, the doings of a public body, etc.); to write down from the lips of a speaker.
Report
(obsolete) To refer.
Report
To return or repeat, as sound; to echo.
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 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.
Report
To give an official account or statement of; as, a treasurer reports the receipts and expenditures.
Report
To return or repeat, as sound; to echo.
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.
Report
To make minutes of, as a speech, or the doings of a public body; to write down from the lips of a speaker.
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 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.
Report
To furnish in writing an account of a speech, the proceedings at a meeting, the particulars of an occurrence, etc., for publication.
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
Rapport; relation; connection; reference.
The corridors worse, having no report to the wings they join to.
Report
A written document describing the findings of some individual or group;
This accords with the recent study by Hill and Dale
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
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
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
Common Curiosities
How do reports differ in purpose from reportage?
Reports aim to inform, analyze, or recommend, while reportage seeks to narrate and evoke the context of events.
How important is the audience in determining the style of a report or reportage?
Very important; reports target specific, often expert audiences requiring precise data, whereas reportage is meant for the general public, emphasizing engagement and understanding.
What is a report?
A report is a formal, structured document that presents information systematically, often for a specific audience and purpose.
What kind of structure does a report typically have?
Reports usually have a predefined structure, which includes sections like introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion.
What is reportage?
Reportage refers to the coverage of news or events, emphasizing detailed descriptions and a narrative style.
How does the purpose of reportage differ from other forms of journalism?
Reportage specifically aims to bring news events to life, providing more depth and context compared to other news reporting.
Can a report be subjective?
Typically, reports are objective and focus on facts, unlike reportage, which can sometimes include subjective perspectives.
How is the language in a report different from that in reportage?
Report language is more technical and precise, while reportage uses a style that is more descriptive and accessible.
Can reportage influence public opinion?
Yes, the narrative and emotional components of reportage can significantly influence public perception.
Are visuals important in reportage?
Yes, visuals such as photos and videos are often key components of reportage to help tell the story visually.
Why is accuracy important in both reports and reportage?
Accuracy ensures credibility in reports and maintains trust in journalism for reportage.
Is reportage considered less formal than reports?
Yes, reportage is often less formal and more narrative, aiming to engage a broad audience.
What skills are important for creating effective reportage?
Strong narrative skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to convey the context and emotion of events are crucial.
What types of reports are there?
There are several types, including academic reports, business reports, and scientific reports.
Can reports include recommendations?
Yes, reports often include recommendations based on analyzed data.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited 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.
