Meaning of Notice

1. Stressing the second syllable (noh-TIS). 2. Pronouncing the 'o' as a short 'ah' sound (nah-tis). 3. Adding an extra syllable at the end (no-tis-uh). 4. Confusing it with 'notes' (nohts).

American Pronunciation

In American English, 'notice' is pronounced /ˈnoʊ.tɪs/. The primary stress falls on the first syllable 'NOH', and the second syllable is a quick 'tis'.

Say it like this: NOH-tis.

British Pronunciation

In British English, the pronunciation is identical: /ˈnəʊ.tɪs/.

Say it like this: NOH-tis.

IPA

The IPA transcription is /ˈnoʊ.tɪs/. The symbol ˈ indicates primary stress. /n/ is 'n', /oʊ/ is the long 'o' diphthong, /t/ is 't', /ɪ/ is a short 'i', and /s/ is the 's' sound.

Syllables

'Notice' has two syllables: no · tice. The breakdown is NOH-tis.

Stress

The primary stress is on the first syllable: NOH-tis. The second syllable is unstressed and brief.

Pronunciation Tips

• Stress the first syllable heavily: NOH-tis.
• The 'o' in the first syllable is long, like in 'go' or 'boat'.
• The second syllable sounds like 'tis', as in 'listen'.
• Do not stress the second syllable (noh-TIS is incorrect).
• Keep it to exactly two syllables.
• Do not pronounce it with a short 'ah' sound (nah-tis).
• Practice saying 'take notice' to get the natural rhythm.
• Ensure the final 's' is voiceless, like a snake's hiss.

Etymology

The word 'notice' comes from the Latin word 'notitia', meaning 'a getting to know' or 'acquaintance', which is derived from 'notus', the past participle of 'noscere' (to know).

History

Entering Middle English in the 15th century via Old French, 'notice' originally referred to the act of notifying or making something known. Over time, it expanded to include the physical sign of notification, the act of paying attention, and the formal announcement of an intention.

Language Origin

'Notice' has purely Latin roots. The root 'noscere' (to know) is also the source of English words like 'cognition', 'recognize', and 'noble'.

How Meaning Changed Over Time

It shifted from the abstract act of 'making known' to the physical paper itself (a notice), the cognitive act of 'becoming aware' (to notice), and the legal warning of an intention (giving notice).

Interesting Historical Facts

The connection between 'notice' and 'notify' is direct. To 'notify' someone is to formally give them 'notice' or make something known to them.

Short Definition

The fact of observing or paying attention to something; a displayed sheet or sign giving information. As a verb, to become aware of.

Simple Definition

To notice means to see or become aware of something. As a noun, a notice is a sign or a warning that tells people about something.

Detailed Definition

As a verb, 'notice' means to become aware of something or someone through sight, hearing, or other senses. It implies a cognitive shift from not knowing to observing. As a noun, it refers to the act of paying attention, a formal announcement or sign displayed to inform the public, or an advance warning of an intention (like resigning from a job).

Student Definition

Notice means you finally see or hear something. If your friend gets a new haircut, you notice it. A notice can also be a paper on a wall telling you rules, like a 'No Running' notice at the pool.

Writer Definition

For writers, 'notice' is a verb of awakening. It marks the exact moment a character's perception shifts. Use it to pull the reader's focus to a specific detail, clue, or change in the environment. As a noun, a 'notice' can serve as a physical prop in a scene, setting rules or foreshadowing events.

Noun, Verb

A noun represents a person, place, thing, or idea (the sign or the attention). A verb expresses an action (the act of observing). 'Notice' can be both.

How It Functions

As a transitive verb, it takes a direct object ('I noticed the stain'). As a noun, it acts as a subject or object ('The notice on the door'). It can also be used uncountably to mean attention ('It escaped my notice').

Grammar Usage

Verb: 'She noticed the car.' Noun (sign): 'He pinned a notice to the board.' Noun (attention): 'The issue brought to my notice.' Noun (warning): 'I have to give two weeks' notice.'

Sentence Placement

As a verb, it follows the subject: 'I notice.' As a noun, it appears in subject or object positions: 'The notice is clear.'

To pronounce "Notice" like a native American English speaker, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: The First Syllable

Start with the 'n' sound, followed immediately by the long 'o' diphthong /oʊ/, as in 'go' or 'boat'. This is the stressed syllable, so say it louder and longer. It sounds like 'noh'.

Step 2: The Consonant Bridge

Move directly into the sharp 't' sound. Do not add a vowel between the 'o' and the 't'.

Step 3: The Second Syllable

Drop into a quick, unstressed 'tis' sound. The vowel is a short 'i', followed immediately by a voiceless 's'. Keep this syllable very brief.

Step 4: Put It Together

Say the full word: NOH-tis. Ensure the first syllable dominates and the 's' at the end is crisp.

"Notice" has 2 syllables: no·tice.

Breaking the word apart:

• Stress Pattern: Stressed — Unstressed

When you write the word with a syllable break for a dictionary, you write: no·tice.

The IPA transcription of "Notice" is /ˈnoʊ.tɪs/. Let's break down each symbol so you can read it confidently.

Put together, the IPA /ˈnoʊ.tɪs/ provides a precise guide on how to articulate the word.

Imagine walking down a familiar street and suddenly realizing a new coffee shop has opened. Before, you just walked past blindly. Now, you 'notice' it. Your brain registered a change in the environment.

As a noun, a 'notice' is the physical or formal version of that awareness. An eviction notice tells you you must leave; a notice on a door tells you it's locked. It is information made visible and unavoidable.

A Simple Diagram

The Key Idea

'Notice' is the bridge between ignorance and awareness. It is the exact moment observation turns into cognition, or the formal medium through which information is forced into view.

Use "Notice" in the following contexts. It works in various situations, from casual conversation to formal writing. Below are specific examples where the word fits perfectly.

In Conversation

Pointing out a change.

Example: "Did you notice that she dyed her hair red?"

In School

Reading a sign.

Example: "The notice on the bulletin board says the library is closed today."

In an Essay

Analyzing a character's awareness.

Example: "The protagonist only notices the gun on the table in the second act."

In Books

Setting a scene.

Example: "He pinned a handwritten notice to the telephone pole, hoping someone had seen his dog."

In News

Reporting on employment.

Example: "The CEO was fired without notice after the scandal broke."

In Movies

A line of dialogue.

Example: "I didn't even notice you were standing there!"

In Presentations

Drawing attention.

Example: "Please take notice of the sharp decline in sales during Q3."

1. Do Not Use 'Notice About'

When 'notice' is a verb, do not use 'about'. Say 'I noticed the rain', not 'I noticed about the rain'. Use 'heard about' or 'learned about' instead.

2. Do Not Use 'Give a Notice'

When resigning from a job, the standard idiom is 'give notice' (uncountable), not 'give a notice'. Example: 'I gave my two weeks' notice.'

3. Do Not Use for Passive Smells/Tastes

You 'smell' smoke, and then you 'notice' the fire. You don't 'notice' the smell of smoke directly; you notice the source or the presence.

4. Do Not Confuse with 'Note'

A 'note' is a short message or a musical tone. A 'notice' is an announcement or a warning. They are related but not interchangeable.

5. Do Not Use 'Notice Someone to Do'

Do not say 'I noticed him to leave'. The correct grammar is 'I noticed him leave' or 'I noticed that he left'.

6. Do Not Use for Continuous Staring

If you stare at someone for five minutes, you are 'watching' them. 'Notice' is the initial moment of awareness, not prolonged observation.

1. Did you notice that she got a new haircut?
2. I didn't notice the speed bump until it was too late.
3. There is a notice on the door saying the pool is closed for cleaning.
4. He paid no notice to the barking dog and kept walking.
5. I noticed my phone battery was dying just as I needed to make a call.
6. She noticed a strange smell coming from the refrigerator.
7. The notice board was covered in flyers for local events.
8. If you look closely, you'll notice the painting is slightly crooked.
9. I gave my landlord thirty days' notice that I was moving out.
10. It was raining so hard I didn't even notice my shoes were soaked.

1. The teacher noticed the student struggling with the math problem.
2. A notice was sent home to parents about the upcoming field trip.
3. Have you noticed a change in the weather patterns this week?
4. The principal pinned a notice about the new dress code on the bulletin board.
5. The professor noticed that several students were missing from the lecture.
6. Please take notice of the revised deadline for the essay.
7. The biology students noticed the cells dividing under the microscope.
8. The notice in the hallway announced the winner of the science fair.
9. She noticed her friend looked tired and asked if she was okay.
10. The librarian noticed the overdue books on the return cart.

1. We noticed a significant drop in sales after the price increase.
2. The employee gave two weeks' notice before leaving the company.
3. Please take notice of the new security protocols effective Monday.
4. The manager noticed a discrepancy in the quarterly financial report.
5. A formal notice was sent to all clients regarding the change in billing.
6. Investors noticed the startup's rapid growth and wanted to invest.
7. The notice period for terminating this contract is 60 days.
8. Did you notice the updated agenda for tomorrow's meeting?
9. The HR department noticed a high turnover rate in the sales division.
10. Please display this notice in the break room for all employees to see.

1. The committee took notice of the public's concerns regarding the zoning law.
2. A formal notice of eviction was served to the tenant.
3. The ambassador noticed a shift in the host country's diplomatic tone.
4. Pursuant to the contract, a 30-day notice is required for cancellation.
5. The scientist noticed an anomaly in the data that warranted further investigation.
6. Please be advised that a general notice of the merger has been filed.
7. The court noticed the defendant's failure to appear.
8. It has come to my notice that several expenses were not properly documented.
9. The architect noticed a structural flaw in the building's foundation.
10. All employees will receive a written notice regarding the holiday schedule.

1. Dude, did you notice that totally crazy plot twist in the movie?
2. I didn't even notice she left the party until you mentioned it.
3. Bro, take no notice of the haters, just do your thing.
4. I noticed you got the new iPhone. How is it?
5. My boss just fired him with zero notice, totally out of nowhere.
6. Notice how he always avoids paying for lunch? What a cheapskate.
7. I just noticed my tire is completely flat. Great.
8. She didn't notice me waving at her from across the mall.
9. Did you notice the notice on the door? The shop is closed!
10. I noticed the dog sneaking up on the couch out of the corner of my eye.

1. He noticed the faint scent of jasmine just before the shadows moved.
2. The faded notice on the tavern door warned travelers of the bandits ahead.
3. She noticed the slight tremor in his hand, a betrayal of his nervousness.
4. It escaped his notice that the entire room had fallen silent.
5. The detective noticed the dust on the mantle had been disturbed.
6. A public notice was nailed to the gallows, declaring the king's justice.
7. To notice the beauty of a dying leaf is to understand the autumn of life.
8. He gave no notice of his departure, vanishing like smoke in the wind.
9. The old sailor noticed the change in the wind before the storm clouds even appeared.
10. She pinned a notice to the tree, a desperate plea for her lost cat.

Root Word

notitia (Latin)

Derived Forms

By adding suffixes, we get: noticeable (adjective), noticeably (adverb), notify (verb), notification (noun).

Related Forms

Notice, Notices, Noticed, Noticing, Noticeable, Noticeably, Notify, Notification, Unnoticed

Prefix & Root Information

The prefix 'un-' can be added to the past participle to create 'unnoticed', meaning not observed or paid attention to.

Rule 1: Noun vs. Verb

'Notice' can be a noun ('a notice on the wall') or a verb ('I notice the wall'). Context determines its function.

Rule 2: Transitive Verb

As a verb, 'notice' is transitive and takes a direct object. Example: 'She noticed the stain.' Not 'She noticed.'

Rule 3: 'Notice' + Bare Infinitive

When describing an action you observed, use the bare infinitive. Example: 'I noticed him leave.' Not 'I noticed him to leave' or 'I noticed him leaving' (though 'leaving' is acceptable for an ongoing action).

Rule 4: Uncountable Noun (Attention)

When meaning 'attention', it is uncountable. Example: 'It escaped my notice.' Not 'It escaped my notices'.

Rule 5: Countable Noun (Sign)

When meaning a physical sign or announcement, it is countable. Example: 'There were three notices on the board.'

Correct Spelling

The correct spelling is notice.

Common Misspellings

notise (using 's' instead of 'c'), notis (missing 'e'), notece (wrong vowels), nottice (double 't'), nodice (phonetic)

Common Typing Mistakes

motice (hitting 'm' instead of 'n'), notixe (hitting 'x' instead of 'c'), notice3 (hitting '3' instead of 'e'), norice (missing 't'), notic (missing 'e')

• Stress the first syllable heavily: NOH-tis.
• The 'o' in the first syllable is long, like in 'go' or 'boat'.
• The second syllable sounds like 'tis', as in 'listen'.
• Do not stress the second syllable (noh-TIS is incorrect).
• Keep it to exactly two syllables.
• Do not pronounce it with a short 'ah' sound (nah-tis).
• Practice saying 'take notice' to get the natural rhythm.
• Ensure the final 's' is voiceless, like a snake's hiss.