Word
notation
Phoneticsno·ta·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/noʊˈteɪʃən/
UK/nəʊtˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01a system of symbols
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a set of symbols or signs used to represent things like numbers, musical notes, or chemical elements.
n. a system of characters or abbreviated expressions used in art, science, mathematics, or logic to represent technical data or quantities.
“Musical notation allows people to play the same song even if they have never heard it before.”
“The mathematician developed a new notation to simplify the representation of complex multidimensional vectors.”
Usage
Often used with a qualifying adjective like 'musical', 'mathematical', or 'scientific'.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'note'. Remind them that 'notation' usually refers to the whole system of symbols, not just one single mark.
02a short written note
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a short note or comment written down to record information.
n. a specific note, mark, or piece of information recorded within a system of representation.
“The lawyer made a small notation in the margin of the contract.”
“Upon reviewing the medical records, the doctor found a brief notation regarding the patient's previous allergic reaction to penicillin.”
Usage
Countable in this sense.
Teaching tip
This sense is quite formal. In everyday conversation, most people would simply say 'note' or 'comment'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Latin notātiō, equivalent to notate + -ion or note + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/notation