notification
noh-tih-fih-KAY-shun
/ˌnoʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/
An alert, chime, banner, or pop-up message on a device informing the user of an event or call.
Covers digital alerts for missed calls, voicemails, texts, or system events.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'notificare' ('notus' known + 'facere' to make). In computing and mobile telephony, the word shifted from official formal letters to software alerts informing users of background communication tasks.
Word relationships
- alert: Alert often implies urgency or warnings, while notification is general information sharing.
- reminder: Reminder prompts scheduled events, while notification reports real-time system occurrences.
Commonly confused with
- ringtone: Ringtone is an audible song/melody for live incoming calls; notification is a quick visual or audio alert for recorded events or messages.
Word family
- notify (verb): To give notice or inform someone.
- notified (adjective): Having been informed.
Collocations
- push notification
- missed call notification
- voicemail notification
- sound notification
Example sentences
- "She received a missed call notification immediately after stepping out of the tunnel." Mobile device management
Memory hook
NOTIFY + NATION = making information known on your phone screen. An alert making events known.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a full phone ringtone for an actively ringing call.
Fun facts
- The average smartphone user receives over 46 push notifications and missed call alerts every single day.
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