Etymology Map
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Notice

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means attention; a written announcement

Where does the word "notice" come from? It comes from Latin notitia, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
notitia
Latin · ancient
"knowledge, fame"
from 'notus', known
2
Stage 2 of 3
notice
Old French · medieval
"notice"
information
3
Stage 3 of 3
notice
English · 1400s
"information"
'notice' as a warning of leaving dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Notice’s story begins in Latin: notitia meant “knowledge, fame.” From 'notus', known. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as notice. Information. It reached English by 1400s as notice. 'notice' as a warning of leaving dates from the 1500s. Today, notice means attention; a written announcement.