ENGLISH
REFERENCE

notify

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈnoʊtəˌfaɪ// UK //nˈəʊtɪfˌaɪ// no·ti·fy Archaic

v. to tell someone about something officially or formally. You use this when you want to give someone important information or news.

v. to inform someone of something in a formal or official capacity. Transitive; requires a direct object, typically the person being informed.


SIMPLE

Please notify the office if you are going to be late.

CONTEXTUAL

The airline will notify all passengers via email if the flight schedule changes due to the storm.

COMPLEX

Under the terms of the agreement, the tenant must notify the landlord in writing at least thirty days before vacating the property.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English notifien, a borrowing from Old French notifier, notefiier.

Usage

The verb is transitive and typically follows the pattern 'notify someone of something' or 'notify someone that'.

Pitfall

notify the news to himnotify him of the newsThe direct object of notify must be the person being informed, not the information itself.

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