English Reference
verb · noun

notice

v. · n.
US /ˈnoʊtəs/ UK /nˈəʊtɪs/ no·tice UK spelling noticed, notices

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.to see, hear, or feel something and become aware of it.

    v.to become aware of something through the senses; to observe or perceive.

    Simple

    I didn't notice that you had cut your hair until you mentioned it.

    In context

    The detective was trained to notice even the smallest discrepancies in a witness's statement during a formal interview.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a written or printed sign that gives information to the public.

    n.a written or printed announcement displayed publicly to provide information or instructions.

    Simple

    There is a notice on the wall saying the lift is out of order.

    In context

    The council posted a formal notice on the community board regarding the upcoming changes to local parking regulations.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.information or a warning given before something happens.

    n.advance notification or warning of a future event or requirement.

    Simple

    The meeting was cancelled at short notice, so I had already arrived.

    In context

    The landlord is required by law to give at least twenty-four hours' notice before entering the property for an inspection.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the period of time you must work after saying you will leave your job.

    n.the formal period of time an employee must remain at a job after resigning, or the period an employer must provide before termination.

    Simple

    She handed in her notice yesterday because she found a better job.

    In context

    According to his contract, he must serve a three-month notice period before he can begin his new role at the rival firm.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'give', 'hand in', or 'serve'.

    resignation period
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.attention or interest from other people.

    n.observation, attention, or recognition from others.

    Simple

    His hard work finally escaped the notice of his manager.

    In context

    The young artist's work first came to public notice after a favorable review in a national Sunday newspaper.

Don't confuse

notice vs note — Notice is the act of perceiving something through the senses; note is the act of recording information or making a deliberate observation.

Don't confuse

notice vs realize — Notice is for physical observation through the senses; realize is for a mental shift in understanding or sudden awareness of a fact.

Don't confuse

notice vs see — See is the physical ability to use your eyes, while notice is the act of paying attention to a specific detail.

Usage noticed unusual


Borrowed from Middle French notice, from the Latin nōtitia. Doublet of notitia.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin nōtitia
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated