notification
C1Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The act of informing someone of something; a message or piece of information that gives notice.
A formal announcement, warning, or automated alert from a person, organization, or software system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an official or automated communication. Can be written, electronic, or verbal. In legal contexts, it has specific procedural requirements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and certain compound forms (e.g., 'notification period' vs. 'notice period'). The word is used with similar frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar in both. In British administrative contexts, can have a slightly more formal, 'official forms' nuance.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, especially in digital/tech contexts (push notifications).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
notification of [something]notification that [clause]notification from [source]notification to [recipient]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on short notification”
- “at a moment's notification (rare, archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal written communication regarding contract changes, meetings, or policy updates.
Academic
An announcement from university administration regarding deadlines, events, or results.
Everyday
A pop-up alert on a phone or computer from an app or service.
Technical
A system-generated message in software to inform a user or another system of an event.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will notify the residents of the planning decision.
- You should be notified in writing.
American English
- The company will notify customers of the data breach.
- Were you notified about the change?
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form derived from 'notification')
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form derived from 'notification')
adjective
British English
- The notification letter arrived yesterday.
- Please check your notification settings.
American English
- She received a notification email.
- The app has a great notification system.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I got a notification on my phone.
- The teacher gave us notification of the test.
- You will receive email notification when your order is shipped.
- I turned off notifications for that app.
- The law requires advance notification of any price increases.
- He acknowledged receipt of the official notification.
- The software sends automated notifications to system administrators upon detecting a fault.
- Failure to provide proper notification may invalidate the claim.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NOTE (from 'notif-') being made OFFICIAL (-ication). It's an official note informing you.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT THAT IS DELIVERED/SENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'нотификация' in most non-legal contexts; use 'уведомление', 'оповещение', or 'извещение'.
- In digital contexts, 'push-уведомление' is standard, not a direct calque.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect prepositions: 'notification about' is less common than 'notification of'.
- Using 'notification' for a simple, informal verbal reminder (overly formal).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'notification'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Notification' is more formal and often refers to the act or message itself. 'Notice' can be less formal and also refers to the concept of attention ('take notice'). In legal/contractual contexts, they can be interchangeable, but 'notification' is more procedural.
It is usually countable when referring to individual messages or instances ('I received three notifications'). It can be uncountable when referring to the general concept or system ('Advance notification is required').
No. The verb form is 'to notify'. 'Notification' is strictly a noun.
A message sent from a software application to a user's device (like a smartphone) without a specific request from the user at that moment. It 'pushes' information to the user's screen.
Explore