note

What is note? A clear definition with examples, FAQ and related legal terms.

A symbol or annotation. A mark or token by which a thing may be known; a visible sign; a character; a distinctive mark or feature; a characteristic quality. A mark, or sign, made to call attention, to point out something to notice, or the like; a sign, or token, proving…

note — Definition and meaning

(Noun) A symbol or annotation. A mark or token by which a thing may be known; a visible sign; a character; a distinctive mark or feature; a characteristic quality. A mark, or sign, made to call attention, to point out something to notice, or the like; a sign, or token, proving or giving evidence.
• A mark or token by which a thing may be known; a visible sign; a character; a distinctive mark or feature; a characteristic quality.
• A mark, or sign, made to call attention, to point out something to notice, or the like; a sign, or token, proving or giving evidence.
• A brief remark; a marginal comment or explanation; hence, an annotation on a text or author; a comment; a critical, explanatory, or illustrative observation.
• A written or printed communication or commitment. A brief piece of writing intended to assist the memory; a memorandum; a minute.
• A brief piece of writing intended to assist the memory; a memorandum; a minute.
• A short informal letter; a billet.
• An academic treatise (often without regard to length); a treatment; a discussion paper; (loosely) any contribution to an academic discourse.
• A diplomatic missive or written communication.
• A written or printed paper (or digital equivalent) acknowledging a debt, and promising payment.
• A list of items or of charges; an account.
• A piece of paper or polymer money; a banknote.
• A small size of paper used for writing letters or notes.
• A sound. A character, variously formed, to indicate the length of a tone, and variously placed upon the staff to indicate its pitch. A musical sound; a tone; an utterance; a tune; a beat of a drum. A key of the piano or organ. A call or song of a bird. An indication which players have to click, type, hit, tap or do other actions if it appears.
• A character, variously formed, to indicate the length of a tone, and variously placed upon the staff to indicate its pitch.
• A musical sound; a tone; an utterance; a tune; a beat of a drum.
• A key of the piano or organ.
• A call or song of a bird.
• An indication which players have to click, type, hit, tap or do other actions if it appears.
• An element of a scent, fragrance, or perfume, especially as a descriptor or category.
• Observation; notice; heed.
• Reputation; distinction.
• A critical comment.
• Notification; information; intelligence.
• Mark of disgrace.

(Verb) To notice with care; to observe; to remark; to heed.
• To record in writing; to make a memorandum of.
• To denote; to designate.
• To annotate.
• To set down in musical characters.
• To record on the back of (a bill, draft, etc.) a refusal of acceptance, as the ground of a protest, which is done officially by a notary.

(Noun) That which is needed or necessary; business; duty; work.
• Milk-giving by a cow or sow; the period following calving or farrowing, during which a cow or sow is most productive and useful.
• (The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:) The milk given by a cow or sow during such period.

The importance of note

note appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.

How note is applied

In practice, note is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.

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Source: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and definitions can vary by jurisdiction. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation.

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