WordGarden.ionotice
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈəʊtɪs/
US
- /ˈnoʊtəs/
Meanings
Verb
to become aware of something or see that it is there
Noun
a sign, poster, or short written announcement giving information
a formal warning or statement given before something happens or ends
attention or awareness given to someone or something
Beyond the definition
To notice something is more than just seeing it. It means that you become aware of it in a clear way. You might notice a flower blooming in your garden, or notice a change in someone's mood. We often notice things that are new, different, or unexpected. Did you notice the new painting in the hallway? Did you notice how quiet everyone was during the meeting? As a noun, a notice can also be a short formal message or warning, such as a note on a door or the warning someone gives before leaving a job.
The word "notice" describes the act of becoming aware of something through your senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling. It's more than just passively registering information; it implies a degree of conscious attention. You might notice a subtle shift in the weather, like the first hint of autumn in the air, or you might notice a friend seems downcast even if they don't say anything.
Beyond simple observation, "notice" is frequently used as a noun to refer to a formal announcement, warning, or communication. For example, a landlord will give tenants "notice" before raising the rent, or an employee gives "two weeks' notice" before resigning. This formal usage often involves a written document outlining specific details and timelines, such as a "Notice of Eviction" or a "Notice of Meeting." In these contexts, it signifies that information has been officially delivered.
The word can also function as a noun referring to the attention someone receives: "His hard work didn't escape the manager's notice."
So, whether it's a fleeting observation of your surroundings, a conscious awareness of someone's feelings, or a formal announcement received in the mail, "notice" is all about the transition from ignorance to awareness.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
I didn't notice the stain on my shirt until I got to work.
- 2
Room atmosphere
Did you notice how quiet the room became?
- 3
People
I noticed that Maya seemed tired after lunch.
- 4
Suspicious activity
A neighbor noticed someone waiting outside the house.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Warning signs
If you take notice of the warning signs, the trail is easy to follow.
- Phrasetake notice of
pay attention to
- 6
Posted notice
There was a notice on the door saying the pool was closed.
- 7
Rent change
The landlord gave us two months' notice before raising the rent.
- Phrasegive notice
tell someone about something in advance
- 8
Job resignation
I can't leave my job without giving notice.
- 9
Schedule change
The meeting was canceled at short notice.
- Phraseat short notice
with little time to prepare
- 10
Office closure
The office will remain closed until further notice.
- Phraseuntil further notice
until someone announces a change
- 11
Recognition
Her work finally got noticed after the project won an award.
- Phraseget noticed
receive attention or recognition
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- noticenounverb
Forms
- noticedpast tenseverbnoun
- noticespluralnounverb
- noticing-ing formverbnoun