Note vs. Know — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 5, 2024
Note emphasizes recording or observing information for future reference, while know focuses on possessing knowledge or understanding based on experience or learning.
Difference Between Note and Know
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Note involves marking down or mentally registering specific information or details, typically to aid memory or documentation. On the other hand, know refers to the state of being aware of something through accumulated knowledge or experience, emphasizing a deeper level of understanding.
When you note something, you may write it down, highlight it, or otherwise ensure it is remembered. Whereas, to know something generally implies that the information is already internalized and accessible without needing a physical reminder.
Note-taking can be a deliberate act, often done in educational or professional settings to capture essential data. In contrast, knowing can occur more organically as one interacts with the world and processes information over time.
The act of noting can be seen as a step towards knowing, where initially external information is recorded before it is thoroughly processed and understood. Conversely, knowing might not require any external aids, as it relies on cognitive abilities to recall and apply knowledge.
Noting is an active process that can be taught and improved upon with techniques and tools, such as notepads or digital apps. On the other hand, knowing is more complex, involving cognitive processes like comprehension, memory, and sometimes intuition, which are less tangible and not as easily taught.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To record or register information for recall.
To have knowledge or information about.
Process
Active, often manual or external.
Passive, internal, and cognitive.
Dependency
Relies on physical or digital tools.
Relies on mental capacity and experiences.
Application
Common in learning and data retention.
Extends to understanding and expertise.
Outcome
Immediate memory aid or reminder.
Long-term retention and comprehension.
Compare with Definitions
Note
To observe carefully or take down as a reminder.
She noted the main points during the lecture.
Know
To have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with.
He knew my parents very well.
Note
A sign or indication of something.
Her face had a note of seriousness that was unusual.
Know
To be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.
I know that he is planning a surprise party.
Note
A brief record of facts, topics, or thoughts, written down as an aid to memory.
He left a note on the fridge to remind himself to buy milk.
Know
To have a deep understanding of a subject or skill.
She knows mathematics exceptionally well.
Note
A musical sound with a certain pitch.
The musician played a sharp note on her violin.
Know
To have personal experience of an event or situation.
He knows hardship like no other.
Note
A short written communication.
I received a thank you note from my colleague.
Know
To recognize someone or something.
Can you know a person just by their silhouette?
Note
A brief record, especially one written down to aid the memory
Took notes on the lecture.
Know
Be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information
I know what I'm doing
Most people know that CFCs can damage the ozone layer
Note
A comment or explanation, as on a passage in a text
The allusion is explained in the notes at the end of the chapter.
Know
Have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with
He knew and respected Laura
Note
A brief informal letter
Sent a note to the child's teacher.
Know
To perceive directly; grasp in the mind with clarity or certainty.
Note
A formal written diplomatic or official communication.
Know
To regard as true beyond doubt
I know she won't fail.
Note
A piece of paper currency.
Know
To have a practical understanding of, as through experience; be skilled in
Knows how to cook.
Note
A debt security, usually with a maturity of ten years or less.
Know
To have fixed in the mind
Knows her Latin verbs.
Note
A promissory note.
Know
To have experience of
“a black stubble that had known no razor” (William Faulkner).
Note
A tone of definite pitch.
Know
To perceive as familiar; recognize
I know that face.
Note
A symbol for such a tone, indicating pitch by its position on the staff and duration by its shape.
Know
To be acquainted with
He doesn't know his neighbors.
Note
A key of an instrument, such as a piano.
Know
To be able to distinguish; recognize as distinct
Knows right from wrong.
Note
The characteristic vocal sound made by a songbird or other animal
The clear note of a cardinal.
Know
To discern the character or nature of
Knew him for a liar.
Note
The sign of a particular quality or emotion
A note of despair in his remarks.
A note of gaiety in her manner.
Know
To possess knowledge, understanding, or information.
Note
A distinctive component of a complex flavor or aroma
A full-bodied wine with notes of cherry and musk.
Know
To be cognizant or aware.
Note
Importance; consequence
Nothing of note happened.
Know
(transitive) To perceive the truth or factuality of; to be certain of or that.
I know that I’m right and you’re wrong.
He knew something terrible was going to happen.
Note
Notice; observation
Quietly took note of the scene.
Know
(transitive) To be aware of; to be cognizant of.
Did you know Michelle and Jack were getting divorced? ― Yes, I knew.
She knows where I live.
I knew he was upset, but I didn't understand why.
Note
(Obsolete) A song, melody, or tune.
Know
(transitive) To be acquainted or familiar with; to have encountered.
I know your mother, but I’ve never met your father.
Note
To observe carefully; notice
Note the difference between these two plants. ].
Know
(transitive) To experience.
Their relationship knew ups and downs.
Note
A symbol or annotation.
Know
(transitive) To be able to distinguish, to discern, particularly by contrast or comparison; to recognize the nature of.}}
To know a person's face or figure
To know right from wrong
I wouldn't know one from the other.
Note
A mark or token by which a thing may be known; a visible sign; a character; a distinctive mark or feature; a characteristic quality.
Know
(transitive) To recognize as the same (as someone or something previously encountered) after an absence or change.
Note
A mark, or sign, made to call attention, to point out something to notice, or the like; a sign, or token, proving or giving evidence.
Know
To understand or have a grasp of through experience or study.
Let me do it. I know how it works.
She knows how to swim.
His mother tongue is Italian, but he also knows French and English.
She knows chemistry better than anybody else.
Know your enemy and know yourself.
Note
A brief remark; a marginal comment or explanation; hence, an annotation on a text or author; a comment; a critical, explanatory, or illustrative observation.
Know
(intransitive) To have knowledge; to have information, be informed.
It is vital that he not know.
She knew of our plan.
He knows about 19th century politics.
Note
A written or printed communication or commitment.
Know
(intransitive) To be or become aware or cognizant.
Did you know Michelle and Jack were getting divorced? ― Yes, I knew.
Note
A brief piece of writing intended to assist the memory; a memorandum; a minute.
I left him a note to remind him to take out the trash.
Know
To be acquainted (with another person).
Note
A short informal letter; a billet.
Know
(transitive) To be able to play or perform (a song or other piece of music).
Do you know "Blueberry Hill"?
Note
(academic) An academic treatise (often without regard to length); a treatment; a discussion paper; (loosely) any contribution to an academic discourse.
Know
(rare) Knowledge; the state of knowing.
Note
A diplomatic missive or written communication.
Know
Knowledge; the state of knowing; now confined to the fixed phrase ‘in the know’
Note
(finance) A written or printed paper acknowledging a debt, and promising payment
A promissory note
A note of hand
A negotiable note
Know
Knee.
Note
(obsolete) A list of items or of charges; an account.
Know
To perceive or apprehend clearly and certainly; to understand; to have full information of; as, to know one's duty.
O, that a man might knowThe end of this day's business ere it come!
There is a certainty in the proposition, and we know it.
Know how sublime a thing it isTo suffer and be strong.
Note
A piece of paper money; a banknote.
I didn't have any coins to pay with, so I used a note.
Know
To be convinced of the truth of; to be fully assured of; as, to know things from information.
Note
(extension) A small size of paper used for writing letters or notes.
Know
To be acquainted with; to be no stranger to; to be more or less familiar with the person, character, etc., of; to possess experience of; as, to know an author; to know the rules of an organization.
He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin.
Not to know me argues yourselves unknown.
Note
(music) A sound.
Know
To recognize; to distinguish; to discern the character of; as, to know a person's face or figure.
Ye shall know them by their fruits.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him.
To knowFaithful friend from flattering foe.
At nearer view he thought he knew the dead.
Note
A character, variously formed, to indicate the length of a tone, and variously placed upon the staff to indicate its pitch.
Know
To have knowledge; to have a clear and certain perception; to possess wisdom, instruction, or information; - often with of.
Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
The peasant folklore of Europe still knows of willows that bleed and weep and speak when hewn.
Note
A musical sound; a tone; an utterance; a tune.
Know
To be assured; to feel confident.
Note
(by extension) A key of the piano or organ.
Know
Be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about;
I know that the President lied to the people
I want to know who is winning the game!
I know it's time
Note
(by extension) A call or song of a bird.
Know
Know how to do or perform something;
She knows how to knit
Does your husband know how to cook?
Note
(uncountable) Observation; notice; heed.
Know
Be aware of the truth of something; have a belief or faith in something; regard as true beyond any doubt;
I know that I left the key on the table
Galileo knew that the earth moves around the sun
Note
(uncountable) Reputation; distinction.
A poet of note
Know
Be familiar or acquainted with a person or an object;
She doesn't know this composer
Do you know my sister?
We know this movie
I know him under a different name
This flower is known as a Peruvian Lily
Note
A critical comment.
Your performance was fantastic! I have just one note: you were a little flat in bars 35 and 36.
Know
Have firsthand knowledge of states, situations, emotions, or sensations;
I know the feeling!
Have you ever known hunger?
I have lived a kind of hell when I was a drug addict
The holocaust survivors have lived a nightmare
I lived through two divorces
Note
(obsolete) Notification; information; intelligence.
Know
Accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority;
The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne
We do not recognize your gods
Note
(obsolete) Mark of disgrace.
Know
Have fixed in the mind;
I know Latin
This student knows her irregular verbs
Do you know the poem well enough to recite it?
Note
That which is needed or necessary; business; duty; work.
Know
Know the nature or character of;
We all knew her as a big show-off
Note
The giving of milk by a cow or sow; the period following calving or farrowing during which a cow or sow is at her most useful (i.e. gives milk); the milk given by a cow or sow during such a period.
Know
Be able to distinguish, recognize as being different;
The child knows right from wrong
Note
(transitive) To notice with care; to observe; to remark; to heed.
If you look to the left, you can note the old cathedral.
Know
Perceive as familiar;
I know this voice!
Note
(transitive) To record in writing; to make a memorandum of.
We noted his speech.
Note
(transitive) To denote; to designate.
The modular multiplicative inverse of x may be noted x-1.
Note
(transitive) To annotate.
Note
(transitive) To set down in musical characters.
Note
To record on the back of (a bill, draft, etc.) a refusal of acceptance, as the ground of a protest, which is done officially by a notary.
Note
To butt; to push with the horns.
Note
To notice with care; to observe; to remark; to heed; to attend to.
No more of that; I have noted it well.
The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
Note
To record in writing; to make a memorandum of.
Every unguarded word . . . was noted down.
Note
To charge, as with crime (with of or for before the thing charged); to brand.
They were both noted of incontinency.
Note
To denote; to designate.
Note
To annotate.
Note
To set down in musical characters.
Note
Know not; knows not.
Note
Nut.
Note
Need; needful business.
Note
A mark or token by which a thing may be known; a visible sign; a character; a distinctive mark or feature; a characteristic quality.
Whosoever appertain to the visible body of the church, they have also the notes of external profession.
She [the Anglican church] has the note of possession, the note of freedom from party titles,the note of life - a tough life and a vigorous.
What a note of youth, of imagination, of impulsive eagerness, there was through it all !
Note
A mark, or sign, made to call attention, to point out something to notice, or the like; a sign, or token, proving or giving evidence.
Note
A brief remark; a marginal comment or explanation; hence, an annotation on a text or author; a comment; a critical, explanatory, or illustrative observation.
The best writers have been perplexed with notes, and obscured with illustrations.
Note
A brief writing intended to assist the memory; a memorandum; a minute.
Note
Hence, a writing intended to be used in speaking; memoranda to assist a speaker, being either a synopsis, or the full text of what is to be said; as, to preach from notes; also, a reporter's memoranda; the original report of a speech or of proceedings.
Note
A short informal letter; a billet.
Note
A diplomatic missive or written communication.
Note
A written or printed paper acknowledging a debt, and promising payment; as, a promissory note; a note of hand; a negotiable note.
Note
A list of items or of charges; an account.
Here is now the smith's note for shoeing.
Note
A character, variously formed, to indicate the length of a tone, and variously placed upon the staff to indicate its pitch. Hence:
The wakeful bird . . . tunes her nocturnal note.
That note of revolt against the eighteenth century, which we detect in Goethe, was struck by Winckelmann.
Note
Observation; notice; heed.
Give orders to my servants that they takeNo note at all of our being absent hence.
Note
Notification; information; intelligence.
The king . . . shall have note of this.
Note
State of being under observation.
Small matters . . . continually in use and in note.
Note
Reputation; distinction; as, a poet of note.
There was scarce a family of note which had not poured out its blood on the field or the scaffold.
Note
Stigma; brand; reproach.
Note
A short personal letter;
Drop me a line when you get there
Note
A brief written record;
He made a note of the appointment
Note
A characteristic emotional quality;
It ended on a sour note
There was a note of gaiety in her manner
He detected a note of sarcasm
Note
A piece of paper money (especially one issued by a central bank);
He peeled off five one-thousand-zloty notes
Note
A notation representing the pitch and duration of a musical sound;
The singer held the note too long
Note
A comment or instruction (usually added);
His notes were appended at the end of the article
He added a short notation to the address on the envelope
Note
High status importance owing to marked superiority;
A scholar of great eminence
Note
A tone of voice that shows what the speaker is feeling;
There was a note of uncertainty in his voice
Note
A promise to pay a specified amount on demand or at a certain time;
I had to co-sign his note at the bank
Note
Make mention of;
She observed that his presentation took up too much time
They noted that it was a fine day to go sailing
Note
Notice or perceive;
She noted that someone was following her
Mark my words
Note
Observe with care or pay close attention to;
Take note of this chemical reaction
Note
Make a written note of;
She noted everything the teacher said that morning
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to take a note?
Taking a note means recording information to aid memory or later reference.
How can I improve my note-taking skills?
Practice summarizing key points, use bullet points, and employ organizational tools like highlighters or digital apps.
Can noting help in learning?
Yes, noting can significantly help in learning by allowing information retention and later recall.
What is the difference between knowing and believing?
Knowing is based on evidence or familiarity, whereas believing is accepting something as true without proof.
Can digital tools enhance knowing?
Digital tools can enhance knowing by providing faster access to information and facilitating deeper research.
Does knowing imply expertise?
Knowing can imply a range of familiarity, from basic awareness to deep expertise, depending on the context.
How do children learn to know new things?
Children learn to know new things through interaction, education, and natural curiosity.
What role does memory play in knowing?
Memory is crucial in knowing, as it allows for the storage and retrieval of information.
Can you know something but forget to note it?
Absolutely, one can know something important yet fail to note it down for future reference.
How does knowing differ from understanding?
Knowing might involve just having the information, while understanding implies a deeper comprehension of why and how.
What tools are best for taking notes?
Tools like notebooks, digital notepads, and voice recorders are popular for taking notes.
Is it possible to know something without noting it?
Yes, people often know things from experience or learning without actively noting them.
What makes a good note?
A good note is clear, concise, and captures the essence of the information effectively.
What is the importance of note-taking in professional settings?
In professional settings, note-taking is vital for documenting meetings and tracking important decisions.
Is there a relationship between note-taking and creativity?
Yes, note-taking can support creativity by helping to capture and organize new ideas as they come.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
