note

 
Pronunciation: /nəʊt/

noun

  • 1a brief record of points or ideas written down as an aid to memory: I’ll make a note in my diary lecture notes
  • a short comment on or explanation of a word or passage in a book or article; an annotation: see note iv above
  • 2a short informal letter or written message: I left her a note explaining where I was going
  • a short official document certifying a particular thing: you need a sick note from your doctor
  • an official letter sent from the representative of one government to another: the Secretariat sent a diplomatic note to the embassy protesting about the sale of arms
  • 3British a banknote: a ten-pound note
  • a written promise or notice of payment of various kinds: a credit note
  • 4a single tone of definite pitch made by a musical instrument or the human voice: the last notes of the symphony died away
  • a written sign representing the pitch and duration of a musical note.
  • a key of a piano or similar instrument: black notes
  • a bird’s song or call, or a single tone in this: the tawny owl has a harsh flight note
  • 5 [in singular] a particular quality or tone that reflects or expresses a mood or attitude: there was a note of scorn in her voice the decade could have ended on an optimistic note
  • any of the basic components of a fragrance or flavour: the fresh note of bergamot

verb

[with object]
  • 1notice or pay particular attention to (something): he noted his mother’s unusual gaiety [with clause]: please note that you will not receive a reminder that final payment is due
  • remark upon (something) in order to draw attention to it: we noted earlier the difficulties inherent in this strategy
  • 2record (something) in writing: he noted down her address on a piece of paper

Phrases

of note

  • 1worth paying attention to: many of his comments are worthy of note
  • 2important; distinguished: Roman historians of note include Livy, Tacitus, and Sallust

strike (or hit) a false note

appear insincere or inappropriate: she greeted him gushingly, and that struck a false note

strike (or sound) a note of

express (a particular feeling or view) about something: he sounded a note of caution about the trend towards health foods

strike (or hit) the right (or wrong) note

say or do something in a way that that is very suitable (or unsuitable) for a particular audience or occasion: the republicans appeared to strike exactly the right note with the electorate

take note

pay attention: employers should take note of the needs of disabled people

Origin:

Middle English (in note (sense 4 of the noun) and note (sense 1 of the verb)): from Old French note (noun), noter (verb), from Latin nota 'a mark', notare 'to mark'