notable
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈəʊtəbəl/
US
- /ˈnoʊtəbəl/
Description
- Remarkable
- Important
- Worthy of attention
Something notable is not just ordinary. It stands out and gets attention because it is important, interesting, or unusual in some way. A notable achievement might be winning an award, a notable landmark could be the Eiffel Tower, and a notable person in a book is someone you will remember.
Think of it like this: if something is "noteworthy," it deserves to be remembered. You might read about a notable scientist who made an important discovery or hear about a notable event that changed history. It does not have to be huge. Even small things can be notable if they are special or meaningful.
The word notable describes someone or something that is worth noticing because it stands out from the ordinary. It often suggests importance, influence, excellence, or some special quality that makes people pay attention. For example, a notable achievement is one that deserves recognition, and a notable person is someone who is widely known or respected for a particular reason.
Notable is not simply about size or scale. Something small can still be notable if it is unique, meaningful, or unusually good. A quiet act of kindness, for instance, could be called a notable gesture. The word often suggests that something is well known or widely recognized, but that is not always necessary. An up-and-coming artist, for example, may be notable for a very distinctive style even before becoming famous.
You will often see notable used for achievements, events, people, places, and features. "The museum houses a collection of notable artifacts" means the artifacts are important and worth seeing. "He was a notable figure in the civil rights movement" suggests he played an important role.
Historically, notable comes from the Latin word notare, meaning "to mark" or "to note." This origin highlights the idea that something notable is worthy of being recorded or remembered.
So, whether you're describing a remarkable accomplishment, a significant event, or a person with exceptional qualities, notable signifies something deserving of attention and recognition—something worth taking note of.
Examples
- 1
Progress
There has been a notable improvement in her pronunciation this month.
- 2
Public criticism
Several notable scientists criticized the plan.
- 3
Achievement
His most notable achievement was bringing the two teams together.
- 4
City reputation
The city is notable for its old bridges and busy night markets.
Pattern
notable for + feature
known or important because of that feature
- 5
Report detail
It is notable that the report mentions costs but says little about safety.
Pattern
it is notable that + fact
that fact is worth paying attention to
- 6
Exception
Most prices went up this year, with one notable exception: fresh vegetables became cheaper.
Phrase
notable exception
an exception important enough to mention
- 7
Missing item
Her name was notable by its absence from the final list.
Phrase
notable by its absence
easy to notice because it is missing
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- notablenounadjective
Forms
- notablespluralnounadjective