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notification

n.
US //ˌnoʊtəfəˈkeɪʃən// UK //nˌəʊtɪfɪkˈeɪʃən// no·ti·fi·ca·tion
  1. 1 digital alert (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a message or sound from an app or computer that tells you about a new event, like a message or news.

    a message, alert, or signal generated by a system or application to inform the user of an event or update.

    Example

    I turned off my phone notifications so I could focus on my homework.

    Example

    The application sends a push notification to the user's device whenever a new security patch is available for installation.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'receive', 'send', or 'disable'.

  2. 2 official information (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a formal piece of information or a letter that tells you something important.

    a specific piece of information or formal document that serves to notify a person or organisation.

    Example

    The bank sent a written notification about the changes to my account.

    Example

    The legal team provided formal notification of their intent to appeal the court's decision within the required thirty-day window.

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  1. 3 the act of informing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of telling someone about something officially.

    the act or process of notifying someone. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

    Example

    Notification of the winners will take place next Monday.

    Example

    Prompt notification of any changes in circumstances is a mandatory requirement of the insurance policy.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

Origin

From Middle French notification, from Old French notificacion, from Latin nōtificātiō.

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