Notice vs. Attention — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
Notice involves perceiving or acknowledging something or someone, often in a more formal or official capacity, while attention is the focused mental engagement with a particular item or task.
Difference Between Notice and Attention
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Notice generally refers to the act of observing or becoming aware of something, often implying a formal acknowledgment or announcement. For example, one might give notice of a meeting or a decision. On the other hand, attention is the cognitive process of concentrating on a specific aspect of information, whether from the environment, from memory, or from one's own thoughts, while ignoring other perceivable information.
Notice often serves as a prerequisite to giving attention; one must first notice something before they can choose to give it their attention. For instance, a teacher might capture a student's notice with a loud clap, and then the student decides to pay attention to the teacher's subsequent instructions.
While notice can be fleeting and sometimes passive, attention is characterized by a deliberate focus and allocation of cognitive resources. For example, you might notice a bird flying by out of the corner of your eye (notice) but then choose to watch its flight path intently (attention).
The transition from notice to attention can be seen in various daily activities. For example, a notification on a phone might catch your notice, but the content of the message will receive your attention as you read and respond to it.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Acknowledgment or awareness of something.
Focused mental engagement on a specific item or task.
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Nature
Can be passive and brief.
Involves active and sustained mental effort.
Sequence
Often precedes attention.
Follows notice; requires prior awareness.
Examples
Giving notice of a meeting.
Paying attention to a speaker.
Usage
Often used in formal or official contexts.
Used in broader contexts, emphasizing mental focus.
Compare with Definitions
Notice
The act of recognizing something or someone officially or formally.
The employee received a two-week notice before his last day at work.
Attention
The act of being aware of something.
Her unique fashion sense always drew attention.
Notice
A sign or announcement that informs people about something.
The notice on the door indicated that the store was closed for the day.
Attention
The act of focusing one's mind and cognitive resources on a specific object or task.
The student paid close attention to the lecture to understand the complex concept.
Notice
The action of noticing something.
His quick notice of the mistake prevented a bigger problem.
Attention
The act of dealing with or taking special care of something or someone.
The delicate vase needs careful attention to avoid damage.
Notice
A formal declaration or announcement, often related to legal processes.
The tenant was served an eviction notice for non-payment of rent.
Attention
The act of giving someone respect or importance.
The soldier stood at attention when the general passed by.
Notice
Information given beforehand, especially about something about to happen.
The meeting was scheduled at short notice, leaving little time for preparation.
Attention
The act of maintaining or servicing something.
The car is in dire need of mechanical attention to fix its issues.
Notice
Notice is the legal concept describing a requirement that a party be aware of legal process affecting their rights, obligations or duties. There are several types of notice: public notice (or legal notice), actual notice, constructive notice, and implied notice.
Attention
Attention is the behavioral and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring other perceivable information. William James (1890) wrote that "Attention is the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought.
Notice
The fact of observing or paying attention to something
It has come to our notice that you have been missing school
Their silence did not escape my notice
Attention
Notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important
He drew attention to three spelling mistakes
Notice
Notification or warning of something, especially to allow preparations to be made
Interest rates are subject to fluctuation without notice
Attention
The action of dealing with or taking special care of someone or something
He was found guilty of failing to give a patient adequate medical attention
Her business needed her attention
Notice
A displayed sheet or placard giving news or information
The jobs were advertised in a notice posted in the common room
Attention
A position assumed by a soldier, standing very straight with the feet together and the arms straight down the sides of the body
Saunders stood stolidly to attention
Notice
Become aware of
I noticed that she was looking tired
They were too drunk to notice
He noticed the youths behaving suspiciously
Attention
The act of close or careful observing or listening
You'll learn more if you pay attention in class.
Notice
The act of noting or observing; perception or attention
That detail escaped my notice.
Attention
The ability or power to keep the mind on something; the ability to concentrate
We turned our attention to the poem's last stanza.
Notice
Respectful attention or consideration
Grateful for the teacher's notice.
Attention
Notice or observation
The billboard caught our attention.
Notice
A written or printed announcement
A notice of sale.
Attention
The act of dealing with something or someone; treatment
This injury requires immediate medical attention.
Notice
A formal announcement, notification, or warning, especially an announcement of one's intention to withdraw from an agreement or leave a job
Gave my employer two weeks' notice.
Raised the price without notice.
Attention
Acts of interest or interference
"men who wanted ... freedom from censorship and the attentions of the police" (John Kenneth Galbraith).
Notice
The condition of being formally warned or notified
Put us on notice for chronic lateness.
Attention
A military posture, with the body erect, eyes to the front, arms at the sides, and heels together.
Notice
A printed critical review, as of a play or book.
Attention
Used as a command to assume an erect military posture.
Notice
To take notice of; observe
Noticed a figure in the doorway. ].
Attention
(uncountable) Mental focus.
Please direct your attention to the following words.
Notice
The act of observing; perception.
He took no notice of the changes, and went on as though nothing had happened.
Attention
(countable) An action or remark expressing concern for or interest in someone or something, especially romantic interest.
Notice
(countable) A formal notification or warning.
The sidewalk adjacent to the damaged bridge stonework shall be closed until further notice.
Attention
A state of alertness in the standing position.
The company will now come to attention.
Notice
Advance notification of termination of employment, given by an employer to an employee or vice versa.
I gave her her mandatory two weeks' notice and sacked her.
I can't work here any longer. I'm giving notice.
Attention
A technique in neural networks that mimics cognitive attention, enhancing the important parts of the input data while giving less priority to the rest.
Notice
(countable) A published critical review of a play or the like.
Attention
(military) Used as a command to bring soldiers to the attention position.
Notice
(uncountable) Prior notification.
I don't mind if you want to change the venue; just give me some notice first, OK?
Attention
A call for people to be quiet/stop doing what they are presently doing and pay heed to what they are to be told or shown.
Notice
(dated) Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Attention
The act or state of attending or heeding; the application of the mind to any object of sense, representation, or thought; notice; exclusive or special consideration; earnest consideration, thought, or regard; obedient or affectionate heed; the supposed power or faculty of attending.
They say the tongues of dying menEnforce attention like deep harmony.
Notice
To remark upon; to mention.
Attention
An act of civility or courtesy; care for the comfort and pleasure of others; as, attentions paid to a stranger.
Notice
(transitive) To become aware of; to observe.
Did you notice the flowers in her yard?
Attention
The process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
Notice
To lavish attention upon; to treat (someone) favourably.
Attention
The work of caring for or attending to someone or something;
No medical care was required
The old car needed constant attention
Notice
(intransitive) To be noticeable; to show.
Attention
A general interest that leads people to want to know more;
She was the center of attention
Notice
The act of noting, remarking, or observing; observation by the senses or intellect; cognizance; note.
How ready is envy to mingle with the notices we take of other persons!
Attention
A courteous act indicating affection;
She tried to win his heart with her many attentions
Notice
Intelligence, by whatever means communicated; knowledge given or received; means of knowledge; express notification; announcement; warning.
I . . . have given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his duchess will be here.
Attention
The faculty or power of mental concentration;
Keeping track of all the details requires your complete attention
Notice
An announcement, often accompanied by comments or remarks; as, book notices; theatrical notices.
Attention
A motionless erect stance with arms at the sides and feet together; assumed by military personnel during drill or review;
The troops stood at attention
Notice
A writing communicating information or warning.
Notice
Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Notice
To observe; to see; to mark; to take note of; to heed; to pay attention to.
Notice
To show that one has observed; to take public note of; remark upon; to make comments on; to refer to; as, to notice a book.
This plant deserves to be noticed in this place.
Another circumstance was noticed in connection with the suggestion last discussed.
Notice
To treat with attention and civility; as, to notice strangers.
Notice
An announcement containing information about a future event;
You didn't give me enough notice
Notice
The act of noticing or paying attention;
He escaped the notice of the police
Notice
A request for payment;
The notification stated the grace period and the penalties for defaulting
Notice
Advance notification (usually written) of the intention to withdraw from an arrangement or contract;
We received a notice to vacate the premises
He gave notice two months before he moved
Notice
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement;
A poster advertised the coming attractions
Notice
Polite or favorable attention;
His hard work soon attracted the teacher's notice
Notice
A short critical review;
The play received good notices
Notice
Discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of;
She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water
We found traces of lead in the paint
Notice
Notice or perceive;
She noted that someone was following her
Mark my words
Notice
Make or write a comment on;
He commented the paper of his colleague
Notice
Express recognition of the presence or existence of, or acquaintance with;
He never acknowledges his colleagues when they run into him in the hallway
She acknowledged his complement with a smile
It is important to acknowledge the work of others in one's own writing
Common Curiosities
What is the key difference between notice and attention?
Notice is about becoming aware of something, often in a passive or brief manner, while attention involves actively focusing mental effort on a particular object or task.
How does notice lead to attention?
Notice is the initial awareness that can lead to the deliberate decision to focus one's mental resources on something, thereby paying attention to it.
Can notice and attention be trained or improved?
Yes, both the ability to notice subtle details and the capacity to maintain attention can be improved with practices such as mindfulness and focused training exercises.
Can you give notice without paying attention?
Yes, one can give notice of something (like making an announcement) without actively paying attention to it.
Is attention always a conscious choice?
Attention usually involves a conscious decision to focus on something, although it can be instinctively drawn to striking or novel stimuli.
Can attention affect how we notice things?
Yes, what we pay attention to can influence what we notice in the future, as our experiences and focus shape our perceptual sensitivities.
Is notice always required for attention?
Typically, one must first notice something before they can decide to pay attention to it, but certain subconscious processes might draw our attention without explicit notice.
How do cultural differences impact notice and attention?
Cultural backgrounds can influence what people tend to notice and how they pay attention, as different cultures may prioritize different types of information and social cues.
How do notice and attention contribute to decision-making?
Effective decision-making often depends on first noticing relevant information and then paying sufficient attention to analyze and use that information.
How do notice and attention work together in learning?
In learning, notice helps identify important information, and attention allows for deeper processing and understanding of that information.
In what way does multitasking affect attention and notice?
Multitasking can dilute attention, making it harder to focus on any single task effectively and possibly impairing the ability to notice important details.
How does digital technology affect notice and attention?
Digital technology, with its constant notifications and streams of information, can both capture our notice frequently and challenge our ability to maintain sustained attention.
How does stress impact notice and attention?
Stress can narrow our focus, leading us to notice fewer aspects of our surroundings and potentially impairing our ability to pay attention to multiple things effectively.
Can the environment influence our notice and attention?
Yes, environmental factors such as noise, lighting, and the presence of distractions can greatly influence our ability to notice details and maintain attention.
Are there disorders that affect notice and attention?
Yes, disorders like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can significantly affect an individual's ability to notice and maintain attention.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
