Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense notes, present participle noting, past tense, past participle noted
1. countable noun
A note is a short letter.
Stevens wrote him a note asking him to come to his apartment.
I'll have to leave a note for Karen. [+ for]
Synonyms: message, letter, communication, memo More Synonyms of note
2. countable noun
A note is something that you write down to remind yourself of something.
I knew that if I didn't make a note I would forget.
Take notes during the consultation as the final written report is very concise.
3. countable noun
In a book or article, a note is a short piece of additional information.
See Note 16 on page p. 223.
...'Exiles' by James Joyce, edited with an Introduction and notes by J C C Mays.
Synonyms: annotation, comment, remark, gloss More Synonyms of note
4. countable noun
A note is a short document that has to be signed by someone and that gives official information about something.
Since Mr Bennett was going to need some time off work, he asked for a sick note.
I've got half a ton of gravel in the lorry but he won't sign my delivery note.
Synonyms: document, form, record, certificate More Synonyms of note
5. countable noun
You can refer to a banknote as a note.
[British]
Her husband received a telephone call ordering him to collect £ 40,000 in used notes.
...a five pound note.
regional note: in AM, use bill
6. countable noun
In music, a note is the sound of a particular pitch, or a written symbol representing this sound.
She has a deep voice and doesn't even try for the high notes.
...the note of D.
7. singular noun
You can use note to refer to a particular quality in someone's voice that shows how they are feeling.
There is an unmistakable note of nostalgia in his voice. [+ of]
It was not difficult for him to catch the note of bitterness in my voice. [+ of]
8. singular noun
You can use note to refer to a particular feeling, impression, or atmosphere.
Yesterday's testimony began on a note of passionate but civilized disagreement. [+ of]
Somehow he tells these stories without a note of horror. [+ of]
The furniture strikes a traditional note which is appropriate to its Edwardian setting.
9. verb
If you note a fact, you become aware of it.
The White House has noted his promise to support any attack that was designed toenforce the U.N. resolutions. [VERB noun]
Suddenly, I noted that the rain had stopped. [VERB that]
Haig noted how he 'looked pinched and rather tired'. [VERB wh]
Synonyms: notice, see, observe, perceive More Synonyms of note
10. verb
If you tell someone to note something, you are drawing their attention to it.
Note the statue to Sallustio Bandini, a prominent Sienese. [VERB noun]
Please note that there are a limited number of tickets. [VERB that]
Synonyms: bear in mind, be aware, take into account More Synonyms of note
11. verb
If you note something, you mention it in order to draw people's attention to it.
The report notes that export and import volumes picked up in leading economies. [VERB that]
The yearbook also noted a sharp drop in reported cases of sexually transmitted disease. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: mention, record, mark, indicate More Synonyms of note
12. verb
When you note something, you write it down as a record of what has happened.
'He has had his tonsils out and has been ill, too', she noted in her diary. [VERB with quote]
One policeman was clearly visible noting the number plates of passing cars. [VERB noun]
A guard came and took our names and noted where each of us was sitting. [VERB wh]
[Also VERB that]
Synonyms: write down, record, scribble, take down More Synonyms of note
13. See also noted, promissory note, sleeve note
14.
See to compare notes
15.
See of note
16.
See strike a particular note/sound a particular note
17.
See take note
18. to make a mental note
Phrasal verbs:
See note down
More Synonyms of note
note in British English
(nəʊt)
noun
1.
a brief summary or record in writing, esp a jotting for future reference
2.
a brief letter, usually of an informal nature
3.
a formal written communication, esp from one government to another
4.
a short written statement giving any kind of information
5.
a critical comment, explanatory statement, or reference in the text of a book, often preceded by a number
6. short for banknote
7.
a characteristic element or atmosphere
a note of sarcasm
8.
a distinctive vocal sound, as of a species of bird or animal
the note of the nightingale
9.
any of a series of graphic signs representing a musical sound whose pitch is indicated by position on the stave and whose duration is indicated by the sign's shape
10. Also called (esp US and Canadian): tone
a musical sound of definite fundamental frequency or pitch
11.
a key on a piano, organ, etc
12.
a sound, as from a musical instrument, used as a signal or warning
the note to retreat was sounded
13. short for promissory note
14. archaic or poetic
a tune or melody
15. of note
16. strike the right note
17. strike a false note
18. take note
verb(tr; may take a clause as object)
19.
to notice; perceive
he noted that there was a man in the shadows
20.
to pay close attention to; observe
they noted every movement
21.
to make a written note or memorandum of
she noted the date in her diary
22.
to make particular mention of; remark upon
I note that you do not wear shoes
23.
to write down (music, a melody, etc) in notes
24.
to take (an unpaid or dishonoured bill of exchange) to a notary public to re-present the bill and if it is still unaccepted or unpaid to note the circumstances in a register
protest (sense 12)
25. a less common word for annotate
Derived forms
noteless (ˈnoteless)
adjective
Word origin
C13: via Old French from Latin nota sign, indication
note in American English
(noʊt)
noun
1.
a mark of some quality, condition, or fact; distinguishing or characteristic feature, mood, tone, etc.
a note of sadness
2.
importance, distinction, or eminence
a person of note
3.
a.
a brief statement of a fact, experience, etc. written down for review, as an aid to memory, or to inform someone else; memorandum
b. [pl.]
a record of experiences, etc.
the notes of a journey
4.
a comment, explanation, or elucidation, as at the foot of a page; annotation
5.
notice; heed; observation
worthy of note
6.
any of certain types of correspondence
; specif.,
a.
a short, informal letter
b.
a formal diplomatic or other official communication
7.
a.
a written promise to pay a sum of money or a written acknowledgment of a debt from which a promise of payment can be inferred
b.
a piece of paper currency
a Federal Reserve note
8.
a cry or call, as of a bird
9.
a signal or intimation
a note of admonition
10. Archaic
a melody, tune, or song
11. Music
a.
a tone of definite pitch, as made by a voice or musical instrument
b.
a symbol for a tone, indicating the duration by its form and the pitch by its positionon the staff
c.
a key of a piano or the like
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈnoted or ˈnoting
12.
to pay close attention to; heed; notice; observe
13.
to set down in writing; make a note of
14.
to mention particularly
15.
to denote or indicate
16.
to set down in musical notes
Idioms:
compare notes
strike the right note
take notes
Word origin
OFr < L nota, a mark, sign, character, letter < notus, pp. of noscere, to know < gnoscere, to know
Examples of 'note' in a sentence
note
Yet it is worth sounding a note of caution.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Many of us get off to stand in the platform sunshine and compare notes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He urged the audience to note the number.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Take a picture or make a note of where you left your equipment.
The Sun (2016)
Please note that we are unable to book double appointments.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
There's only so many notes you can write.
The Sun (2016)
More than 100,000 people have signed a petition demanding that animal fat is not used in the notes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But a cautionary note must be sounded.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
One early high note goes alarmingly astray.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The real pros will make notes about it.
Hopkins, Tom The Guide to Greatness in Sales (1994)
Make a note to find space for them next year.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
You will note that the use of each behaviour has its advantages and disadvantages.
Lindenfield, Gael 50 Ways to Become a Self-Confident Woman (1989)
Please note you cannot stand upright in the room.
The Sun (2014)
Should you be paid by the number of notes you play over the concert year?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
We compared notes easily in good humour.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
There are useful notes at the back about the origin of the play.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The minister can deduct the cost of the books as noted above.
Christianity Today (2000)
Detectives found notes in his diary on how to delete images.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Two or three of them had taken copious notes during the trial.
James Fergusson KANDAHAR COCKNEY: A Tale of Two Worlds (2004)
Take particular note of where the skirt ends up when you sit down.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
The note refers to two civil servants.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This number code could mean anything from an address to a musical note.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)
And there is a price to be paid for striking so many different notes.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
But she sounds a note of caution for other writers thinking of taking their creativity to the law.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Making colour studies on the spot can sometimes be particularly difficult and landscape painters often write colour notes on their working drawings.
Improve Your Landscape Painting
Note: the quality of guarantees given are only as good as the guarantor.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One note said: 'I am so proud to be your daughter.
The Sun (2006)
In other languages
note
British English: note /nəʊt/ NOUN
musical A note is one musical sound.
She played some notes on her recorder.
American English: note music
Arabic: نَغْمَةٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: nota música
Chinese: 音符
Croatian: nota
Czech: nota
Danish: tone
Dutch: noot muziek
European Spanish: nota
Finnish: nuotti
French: note musique
German: Note Musik
Greek: νότα
Italian: nota
Japanese: 音符 music
Korean: 음표
Norwegian: note
Polish: nuta
European Portuguese: nota música
Romanian: notă muzicală
Russian: нота
Latin American Spanish: nota
Swedish: not
Thai: โน้ตเพลง
Turkish: nota müzik
Ukrainian: нота
Vietnamese: nốt nhạc
British English: note /nəʊt/ NOUN
banknote A note is a piece of paper money.
...a forged bank note.
American English: bill banknote
Arabic: وَرَقةٌ نِقْدِيَةِ
Brazilian Portuguese: nota dinheiro
Chinese: 钞票
Croatian: novčanica
Czech: bankovka
Danish: pengeseddel
Dutch: bankbiljet
European Spanish: billete dinero
Finnish: seteli
French: billet monnaie
German: Banknote
Greek: χαρτονόμισμα
Italian: banconota
Japanese: 紙幣 banknote
Korean: 지폐
Norwegian: seddel
Polish: banknot
European Portuguese: nota dinheiro
Romanian: bancnotă
Russian: банкнота
Latin American Spanish: billete
Swedish: sedel
Thai: ธนบัตร
Turkish: banknot
Ukrainian: банкнота
Vietnamese: giấy bạc
British English: note /nəʊt/ NOUN
message A note is a short letter or message.
He wrote her a note and left it on the table.
American English: note message
Arabic: مُلَاحَظَةٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: recado
Chinese: 短信
Croatian: poruka
Czech: poznámka
Danish: note
Dutch: aantekening
European Spanish: nota
Finnish: viesti viestilappu
French: note message
German: Notiz
Greek: σημείωμα
Italian: nota
Japanese: メモ message
Korean: 메모
Norwegian: notat
Polish: notatka
European Portuguese: recado
Romanian: bilet
Russian: записка
Latin American Spanish: nota
Swedish: kort brev
Thai: ข้อความ
Turkish: not mesaj
Ukrainian: записка
Vietnamese: lời nhắn
British English: note VERB
If you note a fact, you become aware of it.
The government has noted his promise to support any attack that was designed to enforce the resolutions.
American English: note
Brazilian Portuguese: notar
Chinese: 注意到
European Spanish: anotar
French: noter
German: beachten
Italian: prendere nota di
Japanese: 気づく
Korean: 주목하다
European Portuguese: notar
Latin American Spanish: anotar
Chinese translation of 'note'
note
(nəut)
n(c)
(= message) 便条(條) (biàntiáo) (张(張), zhāng)
(to remind o.s.) 笔(筆)记(記) (bǐjì) (个(個), gè)
(in book, article) 注释(釋) (zhùshì)
(Brit, = banknote) 纸(紙)币(幣) (zhǐbì) (张(張), zhāng)
美 = bill
(Mus, = sound) 音 (yīn) (个(個), gè)
(printed, written) 音符 (yīnfú)
vt
(= observe) 留意 (liúyì)
(= point out) 指出 (zhǐchū)
(also note down) 记(記)下 (jìxià)
to make a note of sth记(記)下某事 (jìxià mǒushì)
to take notes记(記)笔(筆)记(記) (jì bǐjì)
to compare notes交换(換)意见(見) (jiāohuàn yìjiàn)
the film ends on a positive note影片以大团(團)圆(圓)的结(結)局告终(終) (yǐngpiàn yǐ dà tuányuán de jiéjú gàozhōng)
to sound/strike a note of caution听(聽)起来(來)有/带(帶)着(著)一种(種)警告的语(語)气(氣) (tīng qǐlái yǒu/dàizhe yī zhǒng jǐnggào de yǔqì)
there was a note of triumph in her voice她说(說)话(話)时(時)带(帶)着(著)一种(種)胜(勝)利的口吻 (tā shuōhuà shí dàizhe yī zhǒng shènglì de kǒuwěn)
to take note (of sth)留意到(某事) (liúyì dào (mǒushì))
of note有名望 (yǒu míngwàng)
to note that ... 指出 ... (zhǐchū ... )
(please) note that ... (请(請))注意 ... ((qǐng) zhùyì ... )
Derived Forms
notesn pl (from or for lecture) 笔(筆)记(記) (bǐjì)
All related terms of 'note'
of note
有名望 yǒu míngwàng
sick note
( from parents ) 病假条(條) bìngjiàtiáo [ 张(張) zhāng ]
to note that ...
指出 ... zhǐchū ...
a five-pound note
5镑(鎊)纸(紙)币(幣) wǔ bàng zhǐbì
a note of urgency
( in voice ) 急迫的语(語)气(氣) jípò de yǔqì
to make a note of sth
记(記)下某事 jìxià mǒushì
the film ends on a positive note
影片以大团(團)圆(圓)的结(結)局告终(終) yǐngpiàn yǐ dà tuányuán de jiéjú gàozhōng
to sound/strike a note of caution
听(聽)起来(來)有/带(帶)着(著)一种(種)警告的语(語)气(氣) tīng qǐlái yǒu/dàizhe yī zhǒng jǐnggào de yǔqì
there was a note of triumph in her voice
她说(說)话(話)时(時)带(帶)着(著)一种(種)胜(勝)利的口吻 tā shuōhuà shí dàizhe yī zhǒng shènglì de kǒuwěn
(please) note that ...
(请(請))注意 ... (qǐng) zhùyì ...
to take note (of sth)
留意到(某事) liúyì dào (mǒushì)
1 (noun)
Definition
a brief informal letter
Stevens wrote him a note asking him to come to his apartment.
Synonyms
message
Would you like to leave a message?
letter
I had received a letter from a very close friend.
communication
The ambassador has brought a communication from the President.
memo
memorandum
epistle
He was deluged by ever more plaintive epistles from his devoted admirer.
email or e-mail
text
2 (noun)
Definition
a brief record in writing for future reference
I made a note of his address.
Synonyms
record
reminder
memo
A leaked memo to managers identified a dozen danger spots.
memorandum
He sent a memorandum to the members of the board.
jotting
minute
3 (noun)
Definition
a critical comment or explanation in a book
See note 16 on page 223.
Synonyms
annotation
He supplied annotations to 15,000 musical works.
comment
He had added a few comments in the margin.
remark
He had never found the situation worthy of remark.
gloss
A gloss in the margin explains this unfamiliar word.
4 (noun)
Definition
an official written communication, as from a government or from a doctor
In the eyes of the law, signing a delivery note is seen as `accepting' the goods.
Synonyms
document
The foreign minister signed the document today.
form
You will be asked to fill in an application form.
record
Keep a record of all the payments.
certificate
a certificate of adoption
5 (noun)
Definition
a written symbol representing the pitch and duration of a musical sound
He has never been able to read or transcribe musical notes.
Synonyms
symbol
The artist uses the oak tree as a symbol of strength.
mark
Shopkeepers closed their shutters as a mark of respect.
sign
His face and movements rarely betrayed any sign of nerves.
indication
He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.
token
He sent her a gift as a token of his appreciation.
6 (noun)
Definition
a particular feeling or atmosphere
I detected a note of bitterness in his voice.
Synonyms
tone
The tone of the letter was very friendly.
touch
She thought she might have a touch of flu.
trace
Wash them in cold water to remove all traces of sand.
hint
I glanced at her and saw no hint of irony on her face.
sound
the soulful sound of the violin
(plural noun)
I want to type up my notes from the meeting.
Synonyms
jottings
record
impressions
outline
report
1 (verb)
Definition
to notice
Suddenly I noted that the rain had stopped.
Synonyms
notice
People should not hesitate to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious.
see
I saw a man making his way towards me.
observe
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
perceive
I perceived a number of changes.
2 (verb)
Please note that there are a limited number of tickets.
Synonyms
bear in mind
be aware
take into account
3 (verb)
Definition
to remark upon
The report noted a sharp drop in new cases.
Synonyms
mention
record
The test records the electrical activity of the brain.
mark
The announcement marks the end of an extraordinary period.
indicate
The gauge indicated that it was boiling.
register
Many people registered no symptoms when they became infected.
remark
Everyone has remarked what a lovely person she is.
denote
Red eyes denote strain and fatigue.
4 (verb)
Definition
to make a written note of
A police officer was noting the number plates of passing cars.
Synonyms
write down
record
In her letters she records the domestic and social details of life in China.
scribble
take down
set down
jot down
put in writing
put down in black and white
phrase
See of note
idiom
See take note of something or someone
see music
subject word lists
See Musical notes and rests
Additional synonyms
in the sense of certificate
Definition
an official document stating the details of something such as birth, death, or completion of an academic course
a certificate of adoption
Synonyms
document,
licence,
warrant,
voucher,
diploma,
testimonial,
authorization,
credential(s)
in the sense of comment
Definition
a note explaining or criticizing a passage in a text
He had added a few comments in the margin.
Synonyms
note,
criticism,
explanation,
illustration,
commentary,
exposition,
annotation,
elucidation
in the sense of communication
Definition
something communicated, such as a message
The ambassador has brought a communication from the President.
Synonyms
message,
news,
report,
word,
information,
statement,
intelligence,
announcement,
disclosure,
dispatch,
email or e-mail,
text
Synonyms of 'note'
note
Explore 'note' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of denote
Definition
to be a sign or indication of
Red eyes denote strain and fatigue.
Synonyms
indicate,
show,
mean,
mark,
express,
import,
imply,
designate,
signify,
typify,
betoken
in the sense of epistle
Definition
a letter
He was deluged by ever more plaintive epistles from his devoted admirer.
Synonyms
letter,
note,
message,
communication,
missive
in the sense of form
Definition
a printed document, esp. one with spaces in which to fill details or answers
You will be asked to fill in an application form.
Synonyms
document,
paper,
sheet,
questionnaire,
application
in the sense of gloss
Definition
an explanatory comment added to the text of a book
A gloss in the margin explains this unfamiliar word.
Synonyms
interpretation,
comment,
note,
explanation,
commentary,
translation,
footnote,
elucidation,
scholium
in the sense of hint
Definition
a small amount
I glanced at her and saw no hint of irony on her face.
Synonyms
trace,
touch,
suggestion,
taste,
breath,
dash,
whisper,
suspicion,
tinge,
whiff,
speck,
undertone,
soupçon
in the sense of indicate
Definition
(of measuring instruments) to show a reading of
The gauge indicated that it was boiling.
Synonyms
register,
show,
record,
mark,
read,
express,
display,
demonstrate
in the sense of indication
He gave no indication that he was ready to compromise.
Synonyms
sign,
mark,
evidence,
warning,
note,
signal,
suggestion,
symptom,
hint,
clue,
manifestation,
omen,
inkling,
portent,
intimation,
forewarning,
wake-up call
in the sense of letter
Definition
a written or printed message, usually enclosed in an envelope and sent by post
I had received a letter from a very close friend.
Synonyms
message,
line,
answer,
note,
reply,
communication,
dispatch,
acknowledgment,
billet (archaic),
missive,
epistle,
email or e-mail
in the sense of mark
Definition
an indication of some quality
Shopkeepers closed their shutters as a mark of respect.
Synonyms
indication,
sign,
note,
evidence,
symbol,
proof,
token
in the sense of mark
The announcement marks the end of an extraordinary period.
Synonyms
indicate,
represent,
herald,
denote,
betoken
Additional synonyms
in the sense of memo
A leaked memo to managers identified a dozen danger spots.
Synonyms
memorandum,
minute,
note,
message,
communication,
reminder,
jotting,
email or e-mail
in the sense of memorandum
Definition
a note of things to be remembered
He sent a memorandum to the members of the board.
Synonyms
note,
minute,
message,
communication,
reminder,
memo,
jotting,
email or e-mail
in the sense of observe
Definition
to see or notice
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
note,
mark,
discover,
spot,
regard,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
eye,
eyeball (slang),
peer at,
espy,
get a load of (informal)
in the sense of perceive
Definition
to become aware of (something) through the senses
I perceived a number of changes.
Synonyms
see,
notice,
note,
identify,
discover,
spot,
observe,
remark,
recognize,
distinguish,
glimpse,
make out,
pick out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch sight of,
espy,
descry
in the sense of register
Definition
to show in a person's face or bearing
Many people registered no symptoms when they became infected.
Synonyms
show,
mark,
record,
reflect,
indicate,
betray,
manifest,
bespeak
in the sense of remark
He had never found the situation worthy of remark.
Synonyms
notice,
thought,
comment,
attention,
regard,
mention,
recognition,
consideration,
observation,
heed,
acknowledgment
in the sense of remark
Definition
to observe or notice
Everyone has remarked what a lovely person she is.
Synonyms
notice,
note,
observe,
perceive,
see,
mark,
regard,
make out,
heed,
espy,
take note or notice of
in the sense of see
Definition
to look at or recognize with the eyes
I saw a man making his way towards me.
Synonyms
perceive,
note,
spot,
notice,
mark,
view,
eye,
check,
regard,
identify,
sight,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
observe,
recognize,
distinguish,
glimpse,
check out (informal),
make out,
heed,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
eyeball (slang),
catch a glimpse of,
catch sight of,
espy,
get a load of (slang),
descry,
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
lay or clap eyes on (informal)
in the sense of sign
Definition
a visible indication
His face and movements rarely betrayed any sign of nerves.
Synonyms
indication,
evidence,
trace,
mark,
note,
signal,
suggestion,
symptom,
hint,
proof,
gesture,
clue,
token,
manifestation,
giveaway,
vestige,
spoor
in the sense of sound
the soulful sound of the violin
Synonyms
tone,
music,
note,
chord,
tenor
Additional synonyms
in the sense of token
Definition
a symbol, sign, or indication of something
He sent her a gift as a token of his appreciation.
Synonyms
symbol,
mark,
sign,
note,
evidence,
earnest (old-fashioned),
index,
expression,
demonstration,
proof,
indication,
clue,
representation,
badge,
manifestation
in the sense of touch
Definition
a small amount
She thought she might have a touch of flu.
Synonyms
bit,
spot (British),
trace,
drop,
taste,
suggestion,
hint,
dash,
suspicion,
pinch,
smack,
small amount,
tinge,
whiff,
jot,
speck,
smattering,
intimation,
tincture
in the sense of trace
Definition
an amount of something so small that it is barely noticeable
Wash them in cold water to remove all traces of sand.