What does "notice" mean?
The act of observing; perception.
Notice
/ˈnəʊ.tɪs/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of observing; perception.
- Grammar: notice is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: notification, account, acknowledge, acknowledge.
- Useful contrasts: ignored consequence, slight amount, slight influence.
- Usage evidence: Little by little, you will notice improvement in your writings.
How to use "notice"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "notice" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "notice" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "notice" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "notice" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "notice" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "notification" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "notice", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of observing; perception. uncountable
"He took no notice of the changes, and went on as though nothing had happened."
- 2 the act of noticing or paying attention wordnet
- 3 A written or printed announcement. countable
"A series of notices signpost patients to the X-ray department."
- 4 polite or favorable attention wordnet
- 5 A formal notification or warning. countable
"The sidewalk adjacent to the damaged bridge stonework shall be closed until further notice."
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 a short critical review wordnet
- 7 Advance notification of termination of employment, given by an employer to an employee or vice versa. uncountable
"I gave her her mandatory two weeks' notice and sacked her."
- 8 an announcement containing information about an event wordnet
- 9 A published critical review of a play or the like. countable
"The first-night audience, yes. The first-night reviewers, not exactly. The notices have so far been mixed, only The Financial Times having delivered itself of an unequivocal rave."
- 10 a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement wordnet
- 11 Prior notification. uncountable
"I don't mind if you want to change the venue; just give me some notice first, OK?"
- 12 a request for payment wordnet
- 13 Attention; respectful treatment; civility. countable, dated, uncountable
- 14 advance notification (usually written) of the intention to withdraw from an arrangement of contract wordnet
Verb
- 1 To remark upon; to mention. archaic, transitive
"Numberless are the arguments […] that men have used morally and physically, to degrade the sex. I must notice a few."
- 2 make or write a comment on wordnet
- 3 To become aware of; to observe. transitive
"Did you notice the flowers in her yard?"
- 4 express recognition of the presence or existence of, or acquaintance with wordnet
- 5 To lavish attention upon; to treat (someone) favourably. obsolete, transitive
"She would notice her; she would improve her; she would detach her from her bad acquaintance, and introduce her into good society; she would form her opinions and her manners."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 notice or perceive wordnet
- 7 To be noticeable; to show. intransitive
"The blackness didn't notice so much when she was born; but it's unmistakeable now."
- 8 discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of by perception with the eyes wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Little by little, you will notice improvement in your writings."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "notice"?
Common synonyms include: notification, account, acknowledge, acknowledge, acknowledgment, acquaintance.
How do you use "notice" in a sentence?
Little by little, you will notice improvement in your writings.
How do you pronounce "notice"?
Pronounced /ˈnəʊ.tɪs/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French notice, from the Latin nōtitia. Doublet of notitia.