note
note
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "note" is /noʊt/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
noʊ: This syllable contains a diphthong, where two vowel sounds are blended together.
/n/: A nasal consonant sound, produced by air escaping through the nose.
/oʊ/: A diphthong, starting with a mid-back vowel sound and gliding towards a high-mid back vowel sound.
t: This syllable consists of a single sound.
/t/: A voiceless alveolar stop consonant, produced by stopping the airflow in the mouth with the tongue at the alveolar ridge (behind the upper teeth) and then releasing it.
Word Form Variations
note (singular noun): A brief record of something; a musical tone; a formal or written communication.
notes (plural noun): More than one note (in any of the singular noun senses).
noted (past tense verb): Marked or recorded; recognized or well-known. It can also function as an adjective meaning "famous" or "distinguished."
noting (present participle/gerund verb): The act of making a note.
notes (third-person singular present tense verb): He/she/it notes (records, observes).
There's also the related word "notation," which refers to a system of representing numbers or symbols, but it's not a direct inflection of "note."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
A brief written record: A short message, reminder, or piece of information.
Synonyms: memo, jotting, entry, annotation, memorandum, message, reminder
Antonyms: Treatise, dissertation, long-form report, extended analysis
A musical tone: A single sound of a specific pitch and duration.
Synonyms: tone, pitch, sound, chord (in combination)
Antonyms: Noise, cacophony, silence
A formal or written communication: A short letter or official message.
Synonyms: letter, missive, communication, dispatch, message
Antonyms: Informal chat, verbal agreement
Distinction or importance: A quality of being worthy of attention.
Synonyms: Reputation, eminence, prominence, distinction, importance
Antonyms: Obscurity, insignificance, anonymity
(Finance) A piece of paper money.
Synonyms: Bill, banknote, currency, denomination
Antonyms: Coin, bullion
Verb:
To make a written record of: To jot down or document something.
Synonyms: record, write down, jot, register, document, annotate, mark
Antonyms: Ignore, overlook, disregard, forget
To observe or notice: To pay attention to something.
Synonyms: observe, notice, perceive, detect, discern, recognize, see
Antonyms: Miss, overlook, ignore, disregard
To mention or point out: To draw attention to something.
Synonyms: mention, indicate, point out, highlight, emphasize, specify
Antonyms: Conceal, hide, gloss over, ignore
Adjective:
(Noted) Well-known or famous: Distinguished or recognized for something.
Synonyms: famous, renowned, celebrated, distinguished, prominent, eminent
Antonyms: Unknown, obscure, insignificant, anonymous
(There isn't a commonly used adverb form of "note" in standard English.)
Examples of Use
Noun:
Written record: "She left a note on the refrigerator reminding her husband to take out the trash." (General public discourse)
Musical tone: "The singer hit a high note that thrilled the audience." (General public discourse/Entertainment - music)
Formal communication: "I received a polite note from the professor thanking me for my presentation." (General public discourse/Academic)
Distinction/Importance: "The scientist's research was of considerable note in the field of genetics." (Academic/Scientific Publication)
(Finance): "He paid for the groceries with a twenty-dollar note." (General public discourse)
Verb:
To make a written record: "Please note the changes to the schedule." (General public discourse/Business)
To observe or notice: "I noted that she seemed unusually quiet." (General public discourse)
To mention or point out: "The author noted in the preface that the book had been ten years in the making." (Book - Preface)
Adjective (Noted):
Well-known or famous: "He is a noted expert on ancient civilizations." (Academic/General public discourse)
Examples from various sources:
Book: "He made a note in the margin of his book." (This is a common example found in countless books.)
Newspaper: "The noted economist gave a speech on the current state of the global economy." (News article - e.g., The New York Times, The Guardian, etc. - search for articles mentioning "noted economist")
Online Publication: "In a note on their website, the band announced their upcoming tour dates." (Music website/blog - e.g., Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, etc.)
Entertainment Medium (Film/TV): "She read the note aloud, revealing a crucial clue in the mystery." (Common trope in films and TV shows)
General Public Discourse (Social Media): "Just a quick note to say I'm running late." (Social media post - e.g., Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Note
"Every note of music is a spark of the divine — a whisper of something greater." — Ludwig van Beethoven (paraphrased)
"Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive. But do take note of the laughter — it’s your compass." — Elbert Hubbard
"Note to self: I am enough. I always have been." — Brené Brown
"There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres — and every note is sacred." — Pythagoras
"The most important notes are the ones you don’t play." — Miles Davis
"One must always take note of who isn’t clapping when you win." — Oprah Winfrey
"Take note of the things that make your soul quietly smile — they are your blueprint." — Morgan Harper Nichols
"A small note of kindness can echo louder than any grand speech." — Desmond Tutu (paraphrased)
"The written note endures where memory fades." — Anne Lamott
"The first note is intention; the rest is just follow-through." — Yo-Yo Ma
Etymology
The word "note" comes to us from Latin, specifically the word nota. Nota meant "a mark, sign, or letter." Think of it like a little symbol or something that draws your attention. This is the core idea behind all the different meanings of "note" we have today.
The Latin nota itself likely comes from an even older Proto-Indo-European root, *gno-, which meant "to know." So, the idea of "note" is fundamentally connected to knowledge and recognition. A note is something that helps you remember or recognize something.
The first recorded use of "note" in English was around the 1300s. At that time, it primarily meant "a mark or sign." It could refer to a musical note (a symbol representing a pitch), a written note (a short message), or even a noticeable characteristic of something.
Over time, the meaning of "note" branched out. The connection to written communication became stronger, hence the meaning of a short letter or message. The musical meaning also developed further, referring to a specific tone. The sense of "noting" something (observing or paying attention) also arose from the core idea of a "mark" that draws your attention.
So, in essence, the word "note" started with the basic idea of a mark or sign that helps you remember or recognize something, and from that simple beginning, it evolved to encompass a variety of related meanings. It's all connected to the fundamental concept of knowledge and recognition.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Note
Phrases and Idioms using "note":
Take note (of something): To pay attention to something; to observe and remember it. (This is probably the most common idiom with "note.")
Strike a note: To produce a particular sound, especially a musical one; to express a particular feeling or idea. (Often used metaphorically, like "The speaker struck a note of optimism.")
Of note: Worthy of attention; important or significant. ("A scientist of note.")
Compare notes: To exchange information or ideas with someone.
On a high note: Ending in a positive or successful way.
Keynote speaker: The main speaker at a conference or meeting. (While not directly using "note" as a verb, this is a related term.)
Why there aren't more common idioms with "note":
"Note" is often used literally. Its core meaning relates to recording information or observing something. While these actions are fundamental, they don't lend themselves as readily to colorful, figurative language as some other concepts. We tend to use "note" to describe the process of observing or recording, rather than a more abstract or emotional state.
Phrases and Idioms using synonyms for similar effect:
Since "note" often implies attention or memory, we can look at idioms related to those concepts:
Bear in mind: Remember something. (Similar to "take note.")
Keep track of: To monitor or follow something. (Related to "noting" changes.)
Commit to memory: To memorize something. (Related to recording information.)
Take heed: Pay attention; be cautious. (Similar to "take note.")
Mark my words: Pay attention to what I'm saying; you'll see I'm right. (Implies the importance of "noting" what is said.)
Food for thought: Something to think about. (Related to "noting" an idea.)
Get the message: Understand what is being communicated, even if indirectly. (Relates to receiving a "note" or communication.)
A word to the wise: A piece of advice or warning. (Something to "note" and act upon.)
Make a mental note: To remember something.
Put a pin in it: To postpone consideration of something until later. (Related to recording something for future attention.)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of note from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
