Notice

ˈnəʊtɪs

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The act of paying attention or becoming aware of something.

ˈnəʊtɪs

nounneutralBeginner
General

The act of observing something; the state of being aware.

She took particular notice of his new haircut.

💡 Simply: It's like when you suddenly *see* or *realize* something. Imagine you're walking and suddenly *notice* a cute puppy.

👶 For kids: When you *see* something, or realize something is there!

More Examples

2

The notice of his arrival came as a complete surprise.

3

Give me a notice if the package arrives.

How It's Used

General

"The sudden notice of the bird in flight surprised the observers."

Business

"Employees must provide two weeks' notice before leaving their job."

2

A written or printed announcement or warning.

ˈnəʊtɪs

nounneutralBeginner
General

A written or printed announcement.

He received a parking notice for leaving his car in the wrong place.

💡 Simply: It's like a message telling you something. Like, "Don't feed the ducks!" - That's a *notice*.

👶 For kids: A paper that tells you something, like when the school says there's no school tomorrow.

More Examples

2

The store put up a notice about its holiday hours.

3

The company issued a notice about the product recall.

How It's Used

Legal

"The tenants received an eviction notice."

Public Information

"The park posted a notice about the upcoming event."

Tip:Think of a bulletin board with notices posted on it.
3

To become aware of something; to observe or pay attention to.

ˈnəʊtɪs

verbneutralBeginner
General

To become aware of something; to see or observe.

Did you notice that he was wearing a new shirt?

💡 Simply: It's like when you *see* something you didn't see before, or when you *realize* something is happening. For instance, did you *notice* the rain?

👶 For kids: To *see* something or *know* something is there.

More Examples

2

I didn't notice anything unusual about the painting.

3

The police are asking people to notice any suspicious behaviour

How It's Used

General

"I didn't notice the change in her hairstyle."

Informal

"Can you notice the difference between these two things?"

Tip:Imagine your eyes and brain collaborating to 'notice' something new.

Idioms & expressions

take notice of

To pay attention to or consider something.

"The company started to *take notice of* the new trends."

at a moment's notice

Immediately; with very little warning.

"He was ready to leave *at a moment's notice*."

give notice

To inform someone of something, especially in a formal or official way; to announce your intention to leave a job.

"She *gave notice* to her employer that she was quitting."

From Middle English *notisen*, from Old French *noticier* ('to make known, inform'), from Latin *notitia* ('a being known, knowledge'), from *notus* ('known'), past participle of *noscere* ('to get to know').

The word 'notice' has been used since the 14th century, initially in the sense of 'knowledge' or 'information'.

Memory tip

Imagine a sticky note (notice) placed to draw your attention to something important.

notisenotis

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written