Notice vs. Message — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
A notice is an official announcement or warning, often public and intended to inform or alert, while a message is a broader term for any communication or information sent from one person to another.
Difference Between Notice and Message
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Notices are formal communications that serve to inform, alert, or warn the public or specific groups about important information, policies, events, or changes. They are typically displayed publicly or sent to concerned parties to ensure wide awareness. Messages, on the other hand, encompass a wider range of communications sent between individuals or groups. Messages can be personal or professional, ranging from casual text messages or emails to formal business communications.
Notices can be found in various formats, including posters, letters, or digital postings on websites or social media platforms. Their primary purpose is to ensure that the information reaches a wide audience efficiently and effectively, often related to rules, regulations, or official updates. Unlike notices, messages are not necessarily public and can be tailored to specific individuals or audiences. The content of a message can vary greatly, including information sharing, requests, instructions, or casual communication.
While a notice aims to inform or alert as many relevant individuals as possible about specific information, a message focuses on communication between parties, whether for sharing information, expressing emotions, or conducting transactions. Notices are more formal and official, often associated with institutions, organizations, or governments, whereas messages are versatile, serving various purposes and contexts, including personal, informal, or formal communications.
Notices are typically concise and to the point, designed to convey essential information clearly and quickly. They are structured to ensure that the key points are easily understood, with a focus on the immediacy and clarity of the information. Messages, while they can also be concise, offer more flexibility in tone, style, and content, reflecting the wide range of purposes they serve.
The distinction between notices and messages highlights the difference in intent, audience, and formality. Notices are formal announcements meant for public consumption or targeted groups, ensuring that important information is communicated effectively. Messages are more about personal or direct communication, adaptable to a variety of contexts and needs, from casual chats to formal business correspondences.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An official announcement or warning.
Any form of communication sent from one entity to another.
Purpose
To inform, alert, or warn about specific information.
To communicate information, emotions, or instructions.
Formality
Typically formal and public.
Can range from informal to formal.
Audience
Broad, targeting the public or specific groups.
Can be individual or targeted groups.
Content
Often related to policies, events, or changes.
Varied, including personal, professional, or casual information.
Medium
Posters, letters, digital postings.
Texts, emails, letters, verbal communication.
Intent
To ensure wide awareness of specific information.
To facilitate communication between parties.
Compare with Definitions
Notice
An official announcement about a new policy.
The company posted a notice about the updated privacy policy.
Message
A text sent between friends.
He sent a message to check if she was coming to the party.
Notice
An announcement in a newspaper or online platform.
A notice of the town hall meeting was published in the local paper.
Message
A note left for a roommate about chores.
She left a message on the fridge about buying groceries.
Notice
A public warning about a potential hazard.
Notices were put up around the construction site for safety.
Message
An email containing work assignments.
The manager sent a detailed message with the project deadlines.
Notice
A formal declaration of intent, such as resignation.
She submitted her two-weeks’ notice to her employer.
Message
Verbal communication over the phone.
He received a message from the doctor's office about his appointment.
Notice
Informational signage in public spaces.
The park had notices regarding the rules for visitors.
Message
A written communication expressing condolences.
They sent a heartfelt message to the family of the deceased.
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.
Message
A message is a discrete unit of communication intended by the source for consumption by some recipient or group of recipients. A message may be delivered by various means, including courier, telegraphy, carrier pigeon and electronic bus.
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
Message
A verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for a recipient who cannot be contacted directly
If I'm not there leave a message on the answerphone
Notice
Notification or warning of something, especially to allow preparations to be made
Interest rates are subject to fluctuation without notice
Message
A significant political, social, or moral point that is being conveyed by a film, speech, etc.
A campaign to get the message about home security across
Notice
A displayed sheet or placard giving news or information
The jobs were advertised in a notice posted in the common room
Message
An errand
He would run those interminable messages after school to the bookie
Notice
Become aware of
I noticed that she was looking tired
They were too drunk to notice
He noticed the youths behaving suspiciously
Message
Send a message to (someone), especially by email
I was messaged by a Californian contact for some information
The software package incorporates messaging, scheduling, and workflow functions
Notice
The act of noting or observing; perception or attention
That detail escaped my notice.
Message
A usually short communication transmitted by words, signals, or other means from one person, station, or group to another
I found the message you left at my desk. She sent me a quick message by email.
Notice
Respectful attention or consideration
Grateful for the teacher's notice.
Message
The substance of such a communication; the point or points conveyed
Gestured to a waiter, who got the message and brought the bill.
Notice
A written or printed announcement
A notice of sale.
Message
A statement made or read before a gathering
A retiring coach's farewell message.
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.
Message
A basic thesis or lesson; a moral
A play with a message.
Notice
The condition of being formally warned or notified
Put us on notice for chronic lateness.
Message
To send a message to.
Notice
A printed critical review, as of a play or book.
Message
To send as a message
Messaged the report by cable.
Notice
To take notice of; observe
Noticed a figure in the doorway. ].
Message
To send a message; communicate.
Notice
The act of observing; perception.
He took no notice of the changes, and went on as though nothing had happened.
Message
A communication, or what is communicated; any concept or information conveyed.
We've just received an urgent message from the President.
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.
Message
An underlying theme or conclusion to be drawn from something.
The main message of the novel is that time heals all wounds.
Notice
(countable) A formal notification or warning.
The sidewalk adjacent to the damaged bridge stonework shall be closed until further notice.
Message
An errand.
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.
Message
See groceries, shopping.
Notice
(countable) A published critical review of a play or the like.
Message
To send a message to; to transmit a message to, e.g. as text via a cell phone.
Just message me for directions.
I messaged her about the concert.
Notice
(uncountable) Prior notification.
I don't mind if you want to change the venue; just give me some notice first, OK?
Message
To send (something) as a message; usually refers to electronic messaging.
She messaged me the information yesterday.
Please message the final report by fax.
Notice
(dated) Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Message
(intransitive) To send a message or messages; to be capable of sending messages.
We've implemented a new messaging service.
The runaway computer program was messaging non-stop.
Notice
To remark upon; to mention.
Message
(obsolete) To bear as a message.
Notice
(transitive) To become aware of; to observe.
Did you notice the flowers in her yard?
Message
Any notice, word, or communication, written or verbal, sent from one person to another.
Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee.
Notice
To lavish attention upon; to treat (someone) favourably.
Message
Hence, specifically, an official communication, not made in person, but delivered by a messenger; as, the President's message.
Notice
(intransitive) To be noticeable; to show.
Message
A messenger.
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!
Message
To bear as a message.
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.
Message
A communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled;
He sent a three-word message
Notice
An announcement, often accompanied by comments or remarks; as, book notices; theatrical notices.
Message
What a communication that is about something is about
Notice
A writing communicating information or warning.
Message
Send a message to;
She messaged the committee
Notice
Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Message
Send as a message;
She messaged the final report by fax
Notice
To observe; to see; to mark; to take note of; to heed; to pay attention to.
Message
Send a message;
There is no messaging service at this company
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
Are notices always written?
Notices are commonly written, but they can also be conveyed through verbal announcements in some contexts.
Can the formality of a message vary?
Yes, messages can range from very informal, like casual texts, to highly formal, like official business emails.
How do digital platforms affect the distribution of notices and messages?
Digital platforms have expanded the reach and speed of both notices and messages, allowing for instant communication and broader dissemination.
Can a message be considered a notice?
While a message can convey similar information, it is not typically considered a notice unless it serves the formal purpose of informing or warning a broad audience.
Is a public announcement on social media considered a notice or a message?
A public announcement on social media is typically considered a notice, especially if it aims to inform a wide audience about specific information.
What makes a message effective?
An effective message is clear, concise, and tailored to its audience, ensuring that the intended information or sentiment is accurately conveyed.
Why are notices important in an organizational context?
Notices in an organizational context ensure that all members are aware of important information, policies, or changes, promoting transparency and efficiency.
What is the main purpose of a notice?
The main purpose of a notice is to inform, alert, or warn a wide audience about specific, often official, information.
How is the audience for notices and messages different?
Notices target a broad or specific group publicly, while messages are directed at individual or specific groups, often privately.
Can a notice contain personal information?
While notices can be personalized to an extent, they generally contain information meant for public or group awareness rather than personal details.
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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.
