Note vs. Notation — What's the Difference?

A brief record for future reference.

A system of graphics or symbols used to represent data or elements.

A short informal letter or written message.

A set of rules for writing in a particular academic or professional field.

A tone or sound in music.

A mark or series of marks used as a directive in various fields.

A comment or explanation in a text.

A method of writing to capture technical or scientific data.

A sign of attention or respect.

The act of noting or marking.

A brief record, especially one written down to aid the memory

In linguistics and semiotics, a notation is a system of graphics or symbols, characters and abbreviated expressions, used (for example) in artistic and scientific disciplines to represent technical facts and quantities by convention. Therefore, a notation is a collection of related symbols that are each given an arbitrary meaning, created to facilitate structured communication within a domain knowledge or field of study.

A comment or explanation, as on a passage in a text

A series or system of written symbols used to represent numbers, amounts, or elements in something such as music or mathematics

A brief informal letter

A note or annotation

A formal written diplomatic or official communication.

Short for "scale of notation" (see scale)

A piece of paper currency.

A system of figures or symbols used in a specialized field to represent numbers, quantities, tones, or values

A debt security, usually with a maturity of ten years or less.

The act or process of using such a system.

A promissory note.

A brief note; an annotation

A tone of definite pitch.

(uncountable) The act, process, method, or an instance of representing by a system or set of marks, signs, figures, or characters.

A symbol for such a tone, indicating pitch by its position on the staff and duration by its shape.

(uncountable) A system of characters, symbols, or abbreviated expressions used in an art or science or in mathematics or logic to express technical facts or quantities.

A key of an instrument, such as a piano.

(countable) A specific note or piece of information written in such a notation.

The characteristic vocal sound made by a songbird or other animal

The act or practice of recording anything by marks, figures, or characters.

The sign of a particular quality or emotion

Any particular system of characters, symbols, or abbreviated expressions used in art or science, to express briefly technical facts, quantities, etc.

A distinctive component of a complex flavor or aroma

Literal or etymological signification.

Importance; consequence

A technical system of symbols used to represent special things

Notice; observation

A comment or instruction (usually added);

(Obsolete) A song, melody, or tune.

The activity of representing something by a special system of marks or characters

To observe carefully; notice

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 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 short informal letter; a billet.

(academic) 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.

(finance) A written or printed paper acknowledging a debt, and promising payment

(obsolete) A list of items or of charges; an account.

A piece of paper money; a banknote.

(extension) A small size of paper used for writing letters or notes.

(music) 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.

(by extension) A key of the piano or organ.

(by extension) A call or song of a bird.

(uncountable) Observation; notice; heed.

(uncountable) Reputation; distinction.

A critical comment.

(obsolete) Notification; information; intelligence.

(obsolete) Mark of disgrace.

That which is needed or necessary; business; duty; work.

The giving of milk by a cow or sow; the period following calving or farrowing during which a cow or sow is at her most useful (i.e. gives milk); the milk given by a cow or sow during such a period.

(transitive) To notice with care; to observe; to remark; to heed.

(transitive) To record in writing; to make a memorandum of.

(transitive) To denote; to designate.

(transitive) To annotate.

(transitive) 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.

To butt; to push with the horns.

To notice with care; to observe; to remark; to heed; to attend to.

To record in writing; to make a memorandum of.

To charge, as with crime (with of or for before the thing charged); to brand.

To denote; to designate.

To annotate.

To set down in musical characters.

Know not; knows not.

Nut.

Need; needful business.

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 brief writing intended to assist the memory; a memorandum; a minute.

Hence, a writing intended to be used in speaking; memoranda to assist a speaker, being either a synopsis, or the full text of what is to be said; as, to preach from notes; also, a reporter's memoranda; the original report of a speech or of proceedings.

A short informal letter; a billet.

A diplomatic missive or written communication.

A written or printed paper acknowledging a debt, and promising payment; as, a promissory note; a note of hand; a negotiable note.

A list of items or of charges; an account.

A character, variously formed, to indicate the length of a tone, and variously placed upon the staff to indicate its pitch. Hence:

Observation; notice; heed.

Notification; information; intelligence.

State of being under observation.

Reputation; distinction; as, a poet of note.

Stigma; brand; reproach.

A short personal letter;

A brief written record;

A characteristic emotional quality;

A piece of paper money (especially one issued by a central bank);

A notation representing the pitch and duration of a musical sound;

A comment or instruction (usually added);

High status importance owing to marked superiority;

A tone of voice that shows what the speaker is feeling;

A promise to pay a specified amount on demand or at a certain time;

Make mention of;

Notice or perceive;

Observe with care or pay close attention to;

Make a written note of;

Notation uses specific symbols and rules to convey complex and technical information.

It provides a universal language that standardizes complex information, making it easier to study, teach, and communicate.

Anything from a simple pencil and paper to digital note-taking apps.

Yes, creating a note requires no special skills beyond the ability to write.

Learning musical notation typically requires lessons, either self-taught or through formal education.

While the basic principles are similar, some symbols and applications may vary by region.

To provide a quick and easy way to remember information or tasks.

A note is usually brief, focusing on key information or tasks.

A musical note refers to a sound with a specific pitch, while a note in writing is a written reminder.

Musical notation, mathematical notation, and scientific notation.