What does noticed mean?
“Noticed” is the past tense and past participle of “notice,” and it is most often used to describe becoming aware of something. A person may notice a change in the weather, hear a strange sound, or realize that a friend is upset. In these uses, “noticed” points to the moment of recognition: something previously unnoticed becomes salient. The word can also mean to see or observe something, especially when attention is deliberately directed toward it, as in “I noticed the crack in the wall.” Less commonly, it means to receive attention or to be remarked upon, as in “The new policy was noticed for its unusual wording.” The verb is neutral in register and common in everyday conversation as well as formal writing. Its usefulness lies in describing not just an event but the change in awareness that follows it: seeing, hearing, or observing something and thereby bringing it into conscious attention.
verb (past tense and past participle of notice)To become aware of something, especially through sight, hearing, or observation; to perceive. It can also mean to observe or give attention to something, or to be remarked upon or attract attention.
- To become aware of something, especially by seeing, hearing, or observing it.
- To observe or give attention to someone or something.
- To receive attention or be remarked upon.
"I noticed that the leaves had begun to turn gold."
"She noticed a faint smell of smoke coming from the kitchen."
"The unusual design was noticed by several visitors."
The word behind “noticed” literally means “made known”: Latin notificare combines notus, meaning “known,” with facere, meaning “to make.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does noticed come from?
The modern verb descends from Old French notifier and Latin notificare, formed from notus, meaning “known,” and facere, meaning “to make.” The development led to the noun “notice,” meaning an observation, sign, or warning, and to related forms such as “notify” and “notion.” In modern English, “noticed” usually emphasizes the result of observing something: bringing it into awareness or attention.
Related word forms
How noticed is actually used
“Noticed” is neutral in register and common in both formal and informal English. In its most frequent sense, it describes a change in awareness, whereas “noticed something” can also suggest deliberate observation.
Easily confused with noticed
“Noticed” usually means to become aware of or observe something, while “noted” can mean to observe, record, or remark upon something.