Notice vs. Notification: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Published on December 12, 2023
Notice is a formal warning or information given in advance, while notification is a specific message or announcement, often electronic, informing of something.
Key Differences
Notice is a broad term used for bringing something to someone's attention or a formal warning. Notification is more specific, often referring to messages or alerts, particularly in digital or electronic contexts.
In legal and official contexts, notice implies a formal announcement or warning, often required by regulations or procedures. Notification is the act of notifying or informing, frequently used for updates or alerts in applications or systems.
Notice can also mean the act of observing or paying attention to something. Notification, in contrast, specifically refers to the act of informing or the message sent to inform.
Notice is versatile, used as both a noun and a verb (noticing), encompassing a wider range of meanings. Notification is predominantly a noun, focused on the act of conveying specific information.
In everyday language, notice often implies a period of time given in advance, like a two-week notice. Notification tends to be immediate, conveying information as soon as it becomes relevant or necessary.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun and Verb
Noun
Usage in Sentence
"She took notice of the new regulations."
"He received a notification about the meeting."
Formality
Often formal or legal
More informal, especially in digital contexts
Temporality
Can imply a future or ongoing action
Usually immediate or recent
Common Associations
Warnings, Awareness, Observations
Alerts, Messages, Digital Announcements
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Notice and Notification Definitions
Notice
Becoming aware of something.
She didn't notice the changes in the schedule.
Notification
An update providing new information.
The app sent a notification about the latest features.
Notice
The act of observing or paying attention.
His notice of the details was commendable.
Notification
A message that alerts or informs.
Her phone sent a notification about the upcoming meeting.
Notice
Information given beforehand.
Employees must give a two-week notice before leaving.
Notification
An alert from a computer system or application.
She received a notification of a security update.
Notice
A formal or official warning or announcement.
Tenants received a notice to vacate.
Notification
Formally informing someone of something.
The notification of the policy change was emailed to all employees.
Notice
A public or formal announcement.
The notice was posted on the community board.
Notification
An electronic reminder or update.
He set a notification for the deadline in his calendar app.
Notice
The act of noting or observing; perception or attention
That detail escaped my notice.
Notification
The act or an instance of notifying.
Notice
Respectful attention or consideration
Grateful for the teacher's notice.
Notification
Something, such as a letter, by which notice is given.
Notification
(uncountable) The act of notifying.
Notification
(countable) A specific piece of information that serves to notify.
My computer popped up a notification about Daylight Saving Time.
Notification
(countable) A text message on a cell phone.
Notification
The act of notifying, or giving notice; the act of making known; especially, the act of giving official notice or information to the public or to individuals, corporations, companies, or societies, by words, by writing, or by other means.
Notification
Notice given in words or writing, or by signs.
Notification
The writing which communicates information; an advertisement, or citation, etc.
Notification
An accusation of crime made by a grand jury on its own initiative
Notification
Informing by words
Notification
A request for payment;
The notification stated the grace period and the penalties for defaulting
FAQs
Can notice be used as a verb?
Yes, it can be used to mean observing or becoming aware of something.
Are notifications always digital?
Mostly, especially in modern usage, but not exclusively.
Is a notice always written?
Often, but it can also be verbal or observed.
What does notification mean?
Notification refers to a specific message or announcement informing of something.
What is a notice?
A notice is a formal warning or information given in advance.
What's an eviction notice?
It's a formal notification to a tenant to vacate the premises.
Is a notice period legally binding?
In many contexts, such as employment, it can be.
Does notice imply a future action?
Often, especially in the context of warnings or announcements.
What's a push notification?
It's a type of notification sent by apps to a user's device, often for alerts.
Can notice be immediate?
It can be, but often it implies advance warning.
Do emails count as notifications?
Yes, emails can serve as notifications, especially for formal communications.
Can notifications be automated?
Yes, many notifications, especially in digital contexts, are automated.
Can notifications be disabled?
Yes, especially on digital devices and in apps.
What's a notification bar?
It's a part of a device's screen displaying incoming notifications.
Do apps send notifications?
Yes, apps frequently send notifications for alerts and updates.
How are notifications used in smartphones?
They inform users of updates, messages, and other relevant information.
Are notifications part of user interfaces?
Yes, they are a common feature in user interface design.
What's a public notice?
A public notice is an announcement or information displayed publicly.
Can notices be informal?
Sometimes, depending on the context and audience.
Does notice require action?
It can, especially in legal or formal settings.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
