Notice vs. Circular — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Notice is a brief formal announcement. Circular is a message distributed to a large audience.
Difference Between Notice and Circular
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A "Notice" often conveys short, pertinent information intended to inform a specific group of people about a particular issue, event, or action. On the other hand, a "Circular" is a letter or advertisement intended for mass distribution, generally to disseminate information to a wide audience, such as in an organization or a community.
In essence, a "Notice" serves to formally notify or inform relevant individuals about upcoming events or actions and is usually precise and to the point. A "Circular," conversely, may offer detailed information or explanations and is circulated among a broad audience to ensure widespread distribution of the specified message.
Notices are typically characterized by their brevity and are oftentimes legally binding, with implications for failure to adhere to them. A "Circular," however, may or may not carry legal weight and generally serves to inform, advertise, or explain certain events, policies, or products to a vast audience.
"Notice" often implies an element of formality and urgency, which is commonly used to inform people about critical details that require attention or action. "Circular" implies a broader dissemination of information, without the stringent need for immediate action or the same level of formality.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To inform or alert a specific group.
To disseminate information widely.
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Audience
Limited, specific audience.
Broad, general audience.
Length & Detail
Typically brief and to the point.
Can be detailed and explanatory.
Legal Implication
Often carries legal weight.
May or may not have legal implications.
Formality & Urgency
Tends to be formal and possibly urgent.
Less formal and generally not urgent.
Compare with Definitions
Notice
An announcement to convey information.
The company posted a notice about the upcoming holiday.
Circular
A letter or advertisement for mass distribution.
We received a circular from the local grocery store.
Notice
A formal warning or notification.
The tenant received a notice to vacate the premises.
Circular
Pertaining to a circle.
The circular motion of the wheel was mesmerizing.
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.
Circular
A traveling or moving around.
The circular migration of birds is fascinating to observe.
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
Circular
Of or relating to a circle.
Notice
Notification or warning of something, especially to allow preparations to be made
Interest rates are subject to fluctuation without notice
Circular
Shaped like or nearly like a circle; round.
Notice
A displayed sheet or placard giving news or information
The jobs were advertised in a notice posted in the common room
Circular
Moving in or forming a circle.
Notice
Become aware of
I noticed that she was looking tired
They were too drunk to notice
He noticed the youths behaving suspiciously
Circular
Circuitous; roundabout
Took a circular route to the office.
Notice
The act of noting or observing; perception or attention
That detail escaped my notice.
Circular
Using a premise to prove a conclusion that in turn is used to prove the premise
A circular argument.
Notice
Respectful attention or consideration
Grateful for the teacher's notice.
Circular
Defining one word in terms of another that is itself defined in terms of the first word.
Notice
A written or printed announcement
A notice of sale.
Circular
Addressed or distributed to a large number of persons.
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.
Circular
A printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass distribution.
Notice
The condition of being formally warned or notified
Put us on notice for chronic lateness.
Circular
Of or relating to a circle.
Notice
A printed critical review, as of a play or book.
Circular
In the shape of, or moving in a circle.
Notice
To take notice of; observe
Noticed a figure in the doorway. ].
Circular
Circuitous or roundabout.
Notice
The act of observing; perception.
He took no notice of the changes, and went on as though nothing had happened.
Circular
Referring back to itself, so as to prevent computation or comprehension; infinitely recursive.
Circular reasoning
Your dictionary defines "brave" as "courageous", and "courageous" as "brave". That's a circular definition.
A circular formula in a spreadsheet
I changed the definition of "sex" from "to have sex" to "to have sexual intercourse"; a dictionary definition must never be circular; using the word being defined to define itself.
Notice
(countable) A written or printed announcement.
Shall we post a notice about the new policy?
I always read the death notices in the paper.
Circular
Distributed to a large number of persons.
Notice
(countable) A formal notification or warning.
The sidewalk adjacent to the damaged bridge stonework shall be closed until further notice.
Circular
(obsolete) Perfect; complete.
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.
Circular
(archaic) Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior.
Notice
(countable) A published critical review of a play or the like.
Circular
Syn of flyer: a printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass circulation.
Notice
(uncountable) Prior notification.
I don't mind if you want to change the venue; just give me some notice first, OK?
Circular
(dated) A sleeveless cloak cut from a circular pattern.
Notice
(dated) Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Circular
A shuttle bus with a circular route.
Notice
To remark upon; to mention.
Circular
To distribute circulars to or at.
Notice
(transitive) To become aware of; to observe.
Did you notice the flowers in her yard?
Circular
To extend in a circular direction.
Notice
To lavish attention upon; to treat (someone) favourably.
Circular
In the form of, or bounded by, a circle; round.
Notice
(intransitive) To be noticeable; to show.
Circular
Repeating itself; ending in itself; reverting to the point of beginning; hence, illogical; inconclusive; as, circular reasoning.
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!
Circular
Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior. See Cyclic poets, under Cyclic.
Had Virgil been a circular poet, and closely adhered to history, how could the Romans have had Dido?
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.
Circular
Addressed to a circle, or to a number of persons having a common interest; circulated, or intended for circulation; as, a circular letter.
A proclamation of Henry III., . . . doubtless circular throughout England.
Notice
An announcement, often accompanied by comments or remarks; as, book notices; theatrical notices.
Circular
Perfect; complete.
A man so absolute and circularIn all those wished-for rarities that may takeA virgin captive.
Notice
A writing communicating information or warning.
Circular
A circular letter, or paper, usually printed, copies of which are addressed or given to various persons; as, a business circular.
Notice
Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Circular
A sleeveless cloak, cut in circular form.
Notice
To observe; to see; to mark; to take note of; to heed; to pay attention to.
Circular
An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution;
He mailed the circular to all subscribers
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.
Circular
Having a circular shape
Notice
To treat with attention and civility; as, to notice strangers.
Circular
Shaped like a ring
Notice
An announcement containing information about a future event;
You didn't give me enough notice
Circular
Marked by or moving in a circle
Notice
The act of noticing or paying attention;
He escaped the notice of the police
Circular
Having the form of a circle.
They sat in a circular arrangement.
Notice
A request for payment;
The notification stated the grace period and the penalties for defaulting
Circular
Not direct; roundabout.
The politician gave a circular answer to avoid the question.
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
Notice
Conscious awareness.
The hidden door escaped her notice.
Notice
A brief review or critique.
The play received a favorable notice in the newspaper.
Notice
To observe or pay attention to something.
Did you notice the details in the painting?
Common Curiosities
What type of information is typically found in a circular?
Circulars may contain informative, promotional, or explanatory content.
What is the main purpose of a notice?
To inform or alert a specific group about an event or issue.
Who usually issues circulars?
Organizations, businesses, or governments typically issue circulars.
What is a typical feature of a circular’s language?
Circular language tends to be less formal and urgent than notices.
Are notices legally binding?
Notices can be legally binding, depending on their context and content.
Can a circular be brief and to the point?
Yes, but circulars can also be detailed and explanatory, unlike notices.
Can a notice be informal?
Notices are typically formal due to their often critical or legal nature.
Does a notice always require action?
Not always, but notices often imply a need for attention or action.
Is a circular intended for a specific audience?
No, circulars are typically intended for wide dissemination among a broad audience.
Can a notice be circulated widely like a circular?
It can be, but notices are usually directed at a specific group.
Can a circular have legal implications?
Sometimes, though it's not as common as with notices.
How is a circular typically distributed?
Circulars are usually sent through mail, email, or distributed in public places.
Is there a length requirement for a notice?
Notices are usually short, with concise and relevant information.
Where are notices usually displayed?
Notices are often displayed in noticeable areas like bulletin boards.
Is a notice used for advertising?
Notices are not typically used for advertising, unlike circulars.
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Written 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.
