notify

To notify someone means to officially tell them something important. Think of it as sending a clear message, not just making casual conversation. You might notify your bank if your credit card is lost, or a school might notify parents about a snow day. It often suggests a formal message, sometimes in writing, but it can also be spoken. Unlike simply "telling" someone, notify often suggests a duty or a need to pass on the information.

The word comes from the Latin notificare, meaning "to make known." You might receive a notification on your phone, which is a modern way of being notified. A lawyer may notify the other side about an upcoming hearing. The idea is to make sure someone knows something, especially when the situation is official, important, or tied to a process.

To notify means to formally inform someone of something, usually in writing or through an official channel. It's more than just casually letting someone know; it implies a responsibility or requirement to communicate specific information. For example: "The company will notify shareholders of the merger," or "Please notify us immediately if you change your address."

Notification often involves important details that require attention, like changes in policy, upcoming events, or potential problems. A landlord might notify a tenant of an impending rent increase, and a doctor's office will notify patients of their appointments.

The context is key: while you might tell a friend you're running late, you would notify your employer if you are taking a leave of absence. It suggests a level of formality and often carries legal or procedural weight. Think about the related terms "legal notice" or "official notification."

You can also use "notify" in the passive voice, such as "be notified," meaning to receive information. For example, "You will be notified by email when your order ships." Grammatically, you usually notify someone of something—as in, "She notified him of the deadline."

So, whether it's a formal letter, an official email, or a digital alert, to notify is about delivering important information in a clear and responsible manner.