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notification

noh-tih-fih-KAY-shun /ˌnoʊ.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

nounB1TOEFLIELTS

Neutral

An automated message, sound, or banner displayed by an application or operating system to alert the user of an event.

Implies an asynchronous alert sent automatically by software to gain human attention.

The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'notificare' meaning 'to make known', notification originally described formal legal or official announcements. In modern computing, it took on its familiar meaning of automated digital pop-ups and push alerts.

Word relationships

alert: Alert often implies urgency or warning, whereas notification covers routine updates as well.
reminder: A reminder specifically cues scheduled future tasks, while a notification can report present events.

silence: Silence denotes the total suppression of outgoing software alerts and sounds.

Commonly confused with

notice: A notice is usually a printed or formal public announcement, whereas a notification in tech is an automated software pop-up.

Word family

notify (verb): To give notice to or inform someone.
notifier (noun): A software component that generates alerts.

Collocations

push notification
receive a notification
dismiss a notification
notification banner
notification center

Example sentences

"She disabled push notification alerts to minimize distractions during study hours." Mobile Settings
"Every incoming text message triggers a quick banner notification at the top of the glass screen." Operating System Features

Memory hook

NOTIFY + NATION: sending a note out to make information known. Digital pop-up alerting you to new info.

When not to use

Do not use for direct personal verbal statements in conversation.

Fun facts

Apple introduced system-wide Push Notifications in iOS 3.0 back in 2009, revolutionizing mobile engagement.