Notable or Noticeable?

What Is the Difference between "Notable" and "Noticeable"?

"Notable" and "noticeable" are easy to confuse because they both describe something that stands out. However, there is a clear difference between "notable" and "noticeable."
  • Notable. "Notable" means "worthy of comment," "noteworthy," or "distinguished." A "notable" is "a person of note or importance." For example:
    • There were two notable guests at the party. correct tick
    • He made several notable points in his speech. correct tick
    • I was a notable in the banking sector, but I've retired. correct tick
  • Noticeable. "Noticeable" means "detectable" (i.e., capable of being seen or noticed). For example:
    • Is the coffee stain noticeable? correct tick
notable or noticeable?

Notable

The adjective "notable" means "worthy of comment," "worthy of distinction," "celebrated," "widely known," or "esteemed." As a noun, it can mean "a person of note."

Example sentences with "notable":
  • The award is for the volunteer who has made the most notable contribution to the development of netball at a local level. correct tick
  • I would like to discuss some notable omissions from the text I gave you. correct tick
  • Be respectful. He is a very notable fellow. correct tick
  • There will be several notables present. correct tick
  • (Here, "notable" is a noun (in its plural form).)

Noticeable

The adjective noticeable means detectable (i.e., sufficient to be seen or noticed).

Example sentences with "noticeable":
  • The blue sheen in your hair is hardly noticeable. correct tick
  • The difference in processing speed is quite noticeable. correct tick
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This page was written by Craig Shrives.