Notable or Noticeable?

by Craig Shrives

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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