Notice Meaning

UK /ˈnəʊtɪs/
US /ˈnoʊtɪs/
Word Definition
notice meaning

Notice Definition & Usage

noun

A written or printed announcement or message intended to inform or alert people to something important or noteworthy.

Examples

  • "The notice on the door said that the office would be closed on Friday."
  • "She posted a notice about the upcoming meeting in the break room."
  • "The notice of the event was shared on social media."
  • "There was a notice in the newspaper about the change in school policy."
  • "He didn’t receive the notice about the schedule change in time."
noun

The act of becoming aware of or paying attention to something.

Examples

  • "He didn’t seem to notice the change in the weather."
  • "Did you notice the new painting in the hallway?"
  • "She noticed a strange noise coming from the kitchen."
  • "I noticed him looking at the clock nervously."
  • "He failed to notice the mistake in the report."
verb

To observe or become aware of something, usually something subtle or overlooked.

Examples

  • "She noticed the small details in the artwork that others missed."
  • "I didn’t notice him standing there until he spoke."
  • "He quickly noticed the flaw in the design."
  • "Did you notice how the atmosphere changed after the announcement?"
  • "You should notice when the tone of a conversation shifts."

Cultural Context

In many cultures, notices are used as a formal means of communication in public spaces, especially in schools, workplaces, and government buildings. They are often intended to inform large groups of people about changes, events, or other important announcements. The concept of 'noticing' something is also tied to personal awareness, and is central to mindfulness practices, where people are encouraged to notice their surroundings or their feelings without judgment.

The Notice That Changed Everything

Story

The Notice That Changed Everything

Lena walked into the coffee shop, as she did every morning, the bell above the door jingling softly. The barista behind the counter waved, and she smiled in return, already reaching for her phone to check the morning’s emails. However, as her eyes scanned the room, they landed on the notice pinned to the wall. It wasn’t unusual to see a notice here; small shops like this often posted information about local events or discounts. But today, something was different. The headline read: 'Urgent: Business Closure in 30 Days'. She stopped in her tracks, her phone slipping from her fingers. The notice was simple but impactful. It told customers that the cafe was closing due to unforeseen circumstances. Her heart sank. This was the only place where she truly felt at home since moving to the city a year ago. She had noticed the subtle changes over the past few weeks—smaller crowds, fewer staff members—but this news took her by surprise. She hadn’t been paying attention, and now the café was closing its doors forever. Just as Lena stood there, lost in thought, her friend Rachel entered the shop. She glanced at Lena, then at the notice on the wall. 'I didn't notice that,' Rachel said, her tone tinged with surprise. 'How long has that been up?' Lena shrugged, unable to answer. She hadn’t noticed the notice sooner, despite visiting every day. It felt like the café had been a constant in her life, something that wouldn’t change. But now, it was clear—everything had an expiration date. As they sipped their drinks in silence, Lena couldn’t help but wonder how many other things in life she hadn’t truly noticed—small changes, fleeting moments—that were slipping away unnoticed. Maybe she had to start paying more attention, noticing the little details before they were gone. The notice had been right in front of her, yet she had missed it. It made her think that perhaps the most important things are often the easiest to overlook. And maybe that’s why notices, in whatever form they take, are so important—they help us see what we might otherwise miss. The story of the café’s closure spread quickly through the neighborhood, and soon, a crowd gathered outside, reading the notice for themselves. It was a small, quiet reminder that sometimes the biggest changes come in the form of a simple notice.

The Notice That Changed Everything