Noticed vs. Noted: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
"Noticed" implies perceiving something through the senses, while "Noted" means making a mental or physical record of something observed. Both pertain to awareness but differ in subsequent action or intention.

Key Differences
"Noticed" leans towards a passive absorption or registration of information via sensory input. When one has "noticed" something, it suggests an act of recognizing or discerning something in their environment. For instance, "He noticed a strange odor in the room," demonstrates an unconscious act of perception. This does not always necessitate a subsequent action or reaction, simply an awareness.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Conversely, "Noted" implies a subsequent action following the act of noticing, often involving some form of documentation or recognition that may or may not be expressed. For example, "She noted the time of the incident in her report," entails an action (recording the time) that followed the initial perception (observing the incident). "Noted" can also involve a mental registration with potential for future reference.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
It’s critical to understand that "Noticed" implies no agency in terms of recording or remembering the perceived information. In casual conversation, if someone says, “I noticed the flowers have bloomed,” they're sharing a passive observation, possibly provoked by the visual aesthetic of the flowers. The word "noticed" is especially common in daily exchanges, emphasizing passive observations that might be shared to foster social interactions.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
The term "Noted," while encapsulating the act of observation similar to "noticed," more strongly conveys a deliberate, often purposeful, recognition and registration of the observed. When a scientist says, “I noted a reaction when the two substances mixed,” they are implying a meticulous observation followed by some form of documentation or mental record. The word "noted" is synonymous with a methodical, often professional or formal observation that may be critical for reference.

Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Both "Noticed" and "Noted" can find a home in various contexts but differ in implication and application. Understanding the subtle distinction aids effective communication, ensuring both observational sharing and purposeful documentation are accurately conveyed in discourse.

Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Active/Passive Voice
Typically used in passive voice
Can be used in both active and passive voice

Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Example Sentence
She noticed the painting on the wall.
He noted the main points of the lecture.

Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
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Noticed and Noted Definitions
Noted
Made noteworthy or remarkable.
The building was noted in the historical registry.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Noticed
Identified a change or difference.
She noticed a slight limp in her dog’s walk.

Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Noted
Mentally registered for future use.
He noted every flaw in the argument silently.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
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Noticed
Observed without actively looking for.
He noticed the bird singing outside casually.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Noted
Widely known or distinguished, as by reputation; famous
A noted physician.
A political campaign noted for its mudslinging.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
Noticed
The act of noting or observing; perception or attention
That detail escaped my notice.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
Noticed
Respectful attention or consideration
Grateful for the teacher's notice.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
Noted
Well known by reputation or report; eminent; famous; prominent; celebrated; as, a noted author, or traveler.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
Noticed
A formal announcement, notification, or warning, especially an announcement of one's intention to withdraw from an agreement or leave a job
Gave my employer two weeks' notice.
Raised the price without notice.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
Noted
Widely known and esteemed;
A famous actor
A celebrated musician
A famed scientist
An illustrious judge
A notable historian
A renowned painter

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
Noticed
The condition of being formally warned or notified
Put us on notice for chronic lateness.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
Noted
Recognized for a particular quality or skill.
The actor was noted for his theatrical performances.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Noticed
Being perceived or observed;
An easily noticed effect on the rate of growth

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2022
FAQs
Can "noticed" and "noted" be used interchangeably?
While sometimes used interchangeably in casual speech, "noticed" often refers to passive observation, while "noted" implies recording or specifically acknowledging information.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "noted" refer to a mental record?
Yes, "noted" can refer to either a mental or physical (written) record of something observed.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "noted" always formal?
"Noted" can be used in both formal and informal contexts but is often associated with a more formal or deliberate acknowledgment.

Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Is "noted" used only in past tense?
No, "noted" can be used in various tenses (e.g., notes, noting, will note), depending on context.

Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Can "noticed" apply to non-physical observations?
Yes, one can notice physical phenomena or abstract concepts, like noticing a mood or atmosphere.

Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Is "noticing" always about visual observation?
No, "noticing" can pertain to any sensory observation, such as hearing a sound or smelling an odor.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "noticed" always about something present?
"Noticed" usually pertains to perceiving something in one's immediate context but could also refer to recalling past observations in some uses.

Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Does "noticed" always involve conscious awareness?
Generally, yes. "Noticed" implies a level of conscious awareness about the observation.

Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Do "noticed" and "noted" imply attention to detail?
"Noticed" can be a casual observation, while "noted" often implies more attention to detail and intentionality.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
When should I use "noted" in professional communication?
"Noted" is apt when acknowledging receipt or understanding of information, often to confirm that the message is received and understood.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Does "noticed" imply the significance of the observation?
Not necessarily. One might notice something without deeming it significant or worthy of attention.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "noticed" refer to future observations?
Typically, "noticed" refers to something already observed, while predictions about future observations might use “will notice” or “might notice”.

Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Can "noticed" imply an intention to remember?
Not necessarily. "Noticed" doesn’t inherently convey an intention to remember or act upon something observed.

Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Does "noted" imply agreement?
Not always. "Noted" signifies acknowledgment but not necessarily agreement or approval.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Does "noted" imply precision in observation?
"Noted" implies deliberate acknowledgment but doesn’t inherently convey precision or accuracy in observation.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "noted" be about something negative?
Yes, "noted" can refer to the acknowledgment of both positive and negative observations.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "noted" be used without following action?
While "noted" implies acknowledgment, it doesn’t always require subsequent action.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "noted" more common in specific contexts or fields?
"Noted" is widely used but might be more prevalent in professional, academic, or formal contexts.

Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Is "noticed" related to distraction?
Not inherently, but noticing unexpected or unrelated stimuli might be described as a distraction in some contexts.

Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Can "noticed" refer to accidental observations?
Yes, one can notice something without actively looking for it.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
