notify

Everyday

To officially tell someone about something, often in writing (notify the school, notify the police). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety: notify a teacher if you see something dangerous; apps notify you of messages. In the formal exam voice, "notify" is a stiff word for "tell". Phrases: notify someone of something, be notified, notification.

Examples

• Please notify the office if you are going to be absent. tree →
• The app will notify you when a message arrives. tree →
• We were notified that school was closed because of snow. tree →
• Notify a teacher if you see a stranger in school. tree →
• Parents are notified of the results by letter. tree →
• The bank notified Dad about a strange payment. tree →

Note

Spelling: notify → notifies, notified (y to i), notifying (keeps y). Noun: notification. Formal; everyday word: tell, let know. Pattern: notify someone OF something / THAT...