give feedback
giv FEED-bak
/ɡɪv ˈfiːdbæk/
To provide information about a person's performance of a task, used as a basis for improvement.
Can be positive or negative; the focus is on constructive growth.
The story behind the word. Originally a technical term in electronics (1920s) where a signal was 'fed back' into a system. It moved into human psychology and business in the 1940s.
Word relationships
- critique: Critique is more formal and often used in artistic or academic contexts.
- evaluate: Evaluate implies a formal scoring or grading process.
- withhold: Withholding information is the opposite of giving feedback.
Commonly confused with
- criticize: Criticize often has a negative connotation, whereas feedback is intended to be helpful.
Collocations
- constructive feedback
- honest feedback
- instant feedback
Example sentences
- "The manager will give feedback to each employee during the annual review." A corporate setting.
- "Please give feedback on the new website layout by Friday." A design project.
Memory hook
You are 'feeding' information 'back' to the person so they can grow. Feed the growth, give feedback.
When not to use
Do not use when simply complaining; feedback implies a structured evaluation.
Fun facts
- The term 'feedback' was first used to describe the screeching sound from a microphone too close to a speaker.
Related words
Explore more words
feedback, constructive, formative, actionable, critique, make progress
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.