Memorandum vs. Notice — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 25, 2024
A memorandum, often internal, facilitates communication within an organization, whereas a notice is designed to inform a broader audience about specific information or instructions.
Difference Between Memorandum and Notice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A memorandum, commonly abbreviated as memo, is used primarily within an organization to communicate policies, procedures, or related official business. Whereas, a notice is a formal announcement or information intended for the public or larger groups, often posted publicly or distributed.
Memos are typically more detailed and focus on a specific topic, like project updates or internal guidelines. On the other hand, notices are usually brief and to the point, crafted to convey essential information quickly and clearly.
The format of a memorandum is generally informal compared to external communications, and it might not follow a strict template. Notices, however, are often formatted formally and must be clear and concise to ensure the message is universally understood.
In terms of distribution, memos are circulated internally within an organization, targeting specific employees or departments. Conversely, notices can be displayed in public spaces, published in newspapers, or sent out to a wide audience via various media.
The purpose of a memorandum is to foster communication and information sharing within an organization, helping in internal management and decision-making. Notices, however, serve to alert, inform, or instruct the public or specific groups about rules, events, or important updates.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Internal communication within an organization
Information or instructions to the public or large groups
Format
Informal, flexible format
Formal, must be clear and concise
Detail Level
Detailed, specific topics
Brief, essential information only
Distribution
Circulated internally
Displayed publicly or widely distributed
Purpose
Facilitates internal management and decision-making
Alerts, informs, or instructs a wide audience
Compare with Definitions
Memorandum
A written record or communication used within an organization.
The manager issued a memorandum outlining the new work-from-home policies.
Notice
Information intended to advise people about a legal or official situation.
He received a notice to vacate the premises within sixty days.
Memorandum
A brief report or informal message within a company.
She drafted a memorandum to her team about the upcoming project deadlines.
Notice
A public announcement or warning.
The city council posted a notice about the road closure next week.
Memorandum
A tool for internal communication, often informal.
A memorandum was circulated to clarify the CEO’s remarks.
Notice
A written or printed announcement to inform or alert.
A notice was placed on the bulletin board about the new parking regulations.
Memorandum
A document detailing a specific agreement between parties.
The memorandum of understanding between the two companies was signed yesterday.
Notice
A formal declaration of information.
Notice of the annual general meeting was given 30 days prior to the event.
Memorandum
An internal reminder or update.
The department head sent out a memorandum regarding the change in meeting schedules.
Notice
A tool for public communication, often requiring clarity and directness.
The government issued a notice regarding the changes in tax policy.
Memorandum
A memorandum (abbrev.: memo; from Latin memorandum est, "It must be remembered") is a written message that may be used in a business office. The plural form of the Latin noun memorandum so derived is properly memoranda, but if the word is deemed to have become a word of the English language, the plural memorandums, abbreviated to memos, may be used.
Notice
Notice is the legal concept describing a requirement that a party be aware of legal process affecting their rights, obligations or duties. There are several types of notice: public notice (or legal notice), actual notice, constructive notice, and implied notice.
Memorandum
A short note written as a reminder.
Notice
The fact of observing or paying attention to something
It has come to our notice that you have been missing school
Their silence did not escape my notice
Memorandum
A written record or communication, as in a business office.
Notice
Notification or warning of something, especially to allow preparations to be made
Interest rates are subject to fluctuation without notice
Memorandum
A short document outlining the terms of an agreement, especially as a draft leading to a formal, detailed contract
A memorandum of understanding.
Notice
A displayed sheet or placard giving news or information
The jobs were advertised in a notice posted in the common room
Memorandum
A writing submitted to a court by a party arguing an aspect of a case; a brief.
Notice
Become aware of
I noticed that she was looking tired
They were too drunk to notice
He noticed the youths behaving suspiciously
Memorandum
A decision of an appellate court, particularly one that is not accompanied by any detailed explanation of the basis for the decision
A memorandum decision.
Notice
The act of noting or observing; perception or attention
That detail escaped my notice.
Memorandum
A business statement made by a consignor about a shipment of goods that may be returned.
Notice
Respectful attention or consideration
Grateful for the teacher's notice.
Memorandum
A brief, unsigned diplomatic communication.
Notice
A written or printed announcement
A notice of sale.
Memorandum
A short note serving as a reminder.
Notice
A formal announcement, notification, or warning, especially an announcement of one's intention to withdraw from an agreement or leave a job
Gave my employer two weeks' notice.
Raised the price without notice.
Memorandum
A written business communication.
Notice
The condition of being formally warned or notified
Put us on notice for chronic lateness.
Memorandum
A brief diplomatic communication.
Notice
A printed critical review, as of a play or book.
Memorandum
A page in an annual publication honoring the memory of a person who died during the past year.
Notice
To take notice of; observe
Noticed a figure in the doorway. ].
Memorandum
A record of something which it is desired to remember; a note to help the memory.
I . . . entered a memorandum in my pocketbook.
I wish you would, as opportunity offers, make memorandums of the regulations of the academies.
Notice
The act of observing; perception.
He took no notice of the changes, and went on as though nothing had happened.
Memorandum
A brief or informal note in writing of some transaction, or an outline of an intended instrument; an instrument drawn up in a brief and compendious form.
Notice
(countable) A written or printed announcement.
Shall we post a notice about the new policy?
I always read the death notices in the paper.
Memorandum
A written proposal or reminder
Notice
(countable) A formal notification or warning.
The sidewalk adjacent to the damaged bridge stonework shall be closed until further notice.
Notice
Advance notification of termination of employment, given by an employer to an employee or vice versa.
I gave her her mandatory two weeks' notice and sacked her.
I can't work here any longer. I'm giving notice.
Notice
(countable) A published critical review of a play or the like.
Notice
(uncountable) Prior notification.
I don't mind if you want to change the venue; just give me some notice first, OK?
Notice
(dated) Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Notice
To remark upon; to mention.
Notice
(transitive) To become aware of; to observe.
Did you notice the flowers in her yard?
Notice
To lavish attention upon; to treat (someone) favourably.
Notice
(intransitive) To be noticeable; to show.
Notice
The act of noting, remarking, or observing; observation by the senses or intellect; cognizance; note.
How ready is envy to mingle with the notices we take of other persons!
Notice
Intelligence, by whatever means communicated; knowledge given or received; means of knowledge; express notification; announcement; warning.
I . . . have given him notice that the Duke of Cornwall and Regan his duchess will be here.
Notice
An announcement, often accompanied by comments or remarks; as, book notices; theatrical notices.
Notice
A writing communicating information or warning.
Notice
Attention; respectful treatment; civility.
Notice
To observe; to see; to mark; to take note of; to heed; to pay attention to.
Notice
To show that one has observed; to take public note of; remark upon; to make comments on; to refer to; as, to notice a book.
This plant deserves to be noticed in this place.
Another circumstance was noticed in connection with the suggestion last discussed.
Notice
To treat with attention and civility; as, to notice strangers.
Notice
An announcement containing information about a future event;
You didn't give me enough notice
Notice
The act of noticing or paying attention;
He escaped the notice of the police
Notice
A request for payment;
The notification stated the grace period and the penalties for defaulting
Notice
Advance notification (usually written) of the intention to withdraw from an arrangement or contract;
We received a notice to vacate the premises
He gave notice two months before he moved
Notice
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement;
A poster advertised the coming attractions
Notice
Polite or favorable attention;
His hard work soon attracted the teacher's notice
Notice
A short critical review;
The play received good notices
Notice
Discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of;
She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water
We found traces of lead in the paint
Notice
Notice or perceive;
She noted that someone was following her
Mark my words
Notice
Make or write a comment on;
He commented the paper of his colleague
Notice
Express recognition of the presence or existence of, or acquaintance with;
He never acknowledges his colleagues when they run into him in the hallway
She acknowledged his complement with a smile
It is important to acknowledge the work of others in one's own writing
Common Curiosities
Where are notices typically displayed?
In public spaces, official bulletins, or through media channels to ensure wide visibility.
How is a notice typically used?
To inform or instruct a broad audience about specific information, often related to rules, events, or updates.
Can a memorandum be considered legally binding?
Usually not, as it is an internal communication tool, though it can form part of legal documentation under specific circumstances.
How long should a notice be?
Brief enough to convey essential information quickly, without unnecessary detail.
What are the key elements to include in a memorandum?
Date, subject, sender and recipient information, and the detailed message content.
Who is the typical recipient of a notice?
The general public or specific groups, depending on the purpose of the notice.
Can notices be legally binding?
Yes, especially when related to legal or governmental instructions or announcements.
Is it necessary for a memorandum to follow a formal structure?
No, memos can be somewhat informal depending on the organizational culture.
What is the primary purpose of a memorandum?
To communicate internally within an organization, often detailing policies, procedures, or projects.
What distinguishes a memorandum from a business letter?
A memorandum is a less formal method of internal communication, while a business letter is used for more formal external communication.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
