What is note? Pronunciation and usage in English

note means . Learn how to pronounce and use note through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of note

notenoun/verb

/nəʊt/
Definition & pronunciation of note

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "note" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends slightly on where you are in the US and whether you're aiming for a more formal or casual sound.

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (Generally Used Everywhere):

  • ˈnɑːt (in American English)
    • ˈnɑːt - This is the key part. It sounds like "nahht" (like saying "night" but with a "n" at the beginning). The "a" is a broad, open "ah" sound, similar to the "a" in "father."
    • You might hear it slightly shortened to "nawt", especially in very casual speech.

2. A More Traditional (and slightly more formal) Pronunciation (Often heard in British English):

  • nɒt (in British English)
    • nɒt - Here, the "o" is a shorter, more closed "ɒ" sound – like the "o" in "hot" or "lot." It's a less open sound than the American pronunciation.

Here's a breakdown to help you:

  • "Note" (American): Focus on the broader, open "ah" sound at the beginning. Think of it as a gentle "nuh-aught."
  • "Note" (British): The "o" is shorter and more clipped.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (roughly)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.)
  • What kind of pronunciation are you aiming for? (e.g., general American, standard British, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word note in English

Let's break down how to use the word "note" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and grammatical functions! Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun (the most common usage):

  • A Small Piece of Paper: This is the most basic meaning. A written reminder, a jotting down of information.

    • “Please write your name and phone number on the note.”
    • “I found a note tucked into my book.”

  • A Record of Something: This refers to a written account of something observed or experienced.

    • “Take notes during the lecture.” (This is a key use!)
    • “She kept a note of all the expenses.”
    • “He made a note about the meeting agenda.”
    • “Take notes of the evidence.”

  • A Point or Observation: Referring to a specific fact or idea.

    • “I wanted to make a note of her suggestion.”
    • “It's important to make a note of the potential risks.”

  • A Musical Notation: (Less common in everyday conversation)

    • “The conductor used a note to indicate a change in tempo.”

2. As a Verb:

  • To Write Down: This is the primary verb meaning.

    • “Note down the ingredients.”
    • “Please note the following changes.”
    • “Can you note the time I arrived?”

  • To Observe Carefully: (Similar to "notice")

    • “Note the way she smiled.” (Meaning: observe her smile carefully)
    • “Note the details in the photograph.”

  • To Take Particular Interest/Acknowledge: (More formal)

    • “He noted her expertise on the subject.” (Meaning: he acknowledged and paid attention to her expertise.)

3. Phrases Using "Note":

  • Take note: (Verb phrase) – “Take note of the new rules.” (Meaning: pay attention to)
  • Make a note: (Verb phrase) – “Make a note to call him later.” (Meaning: write something down as a reminder)
  • Note to self: (Idiom) – Used to write down a personal reminder. “Note to self: Buy milk.”
  • In note form: – “The information is presented in note form for easy reference."
  • Note of thanks/criticism/etc.: - “I wrote a note of thanks to the host.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Small paper, record, observation “Write your address on the note.”
Noun Point/Observation “I made a note of her idea.”
Verb To write down “Note down the phone number.”
Verb To observe carefully “Note her polite behavior.”

Tips for Using "Note" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "note" depends heavily on how it’s used in the sentence.
  • ‘Notes’ is plural: “I took lots of notes.”
  • ‘Note-taking’ is a common phrase: "He's a good note-taker."

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "note"? (e.g., Write an email, answer a question on a test, understand a textbook?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use "note"?

Synonyms for the word note

Idioms of the word note

compare notes (with somebody)
if two or more people compare notes, they each say what they think about the same event, situation, etc.
  • We saw the play separately and compared notes afterwards.
  • Let's compare notes on our experiences.
hit/strike the right/wrong note
(especially British English)to do, say or write something that is suitable/not suitable for a particular occasion
  • It is a bizarre tale and the author hits just the right note of horror and disbelief.
  • Unfortunately, the president struck the wrong note in his speech, ignoring the public mood.
of note
of importance or of great interest
  • a scientist of note
  • The museum contains nothing of great note.
  • The frescoes are worthy of note.
sound/strike a note (of something)
to express feelings or opinions of a particular kind
  • She sounded a note of warning in her speech.
  • The touch of cynicism struck a slightly sour note.
take note (of something)
to pay attention to something and be sure to remember it
  • Take note of what he says.
  • Under the new rules the penalty for illegal play is increased. Players take note.
  • He took careful note of the suspicious-looking man in the corner of the bar.

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