Notice vs. Circular: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A "Notice" is a written or printed announcement intended for a specific group or the general public. In contrast, a "Circular" is a message disseminated to a large number of individuals, typically for purposes such as advertising.
Key Differences
A notice is typically a formal announcement or warning given to a specific group or the general public, usually focused on a single topic or event. In contrast, a circular is a type of document or message distributed to a wide audience, often used for promotional or informational purposes.
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Nov 27, 2023
Notices are often used to convey important information succinctly, such as changes in policy or upcoming events. Circulars, however, are more about spreading a message to as many people as possible, like advertising new products or disseminating organizational updates.
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Nov 27, 2023
The content of a notice is usually specific and to the point, intended for a targeted audience. Circulars, on the other hand, are designed to appeal to a broader audience with more general content.
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Nov 27, 2023
In terms of format, notices are often brief and formal, posted in public spaces or sent directly to the concerned parties. Circulars can take various forms, including emails, flyers, or brochures, and are distributed more widely.
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Nov 27, 2023
While a notice is typically a direct communication from an authority or organization to its members or the public, a circular is more about broadcasting information, often with the intent of reaching a diverse and large audience.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To inform or warn about specific information
To distribute information or advertisements
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Content
Specific, concise, and to the point
General, often promotional or informative
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Distribution Method
Direct to specific groups or public postings
Broad distribution, often through mail or email
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Formality
Typically formal and direct
Can range from formal to promotional in tone
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Notice and Circular Definitions
Notice
The act of observing or paying attention to something.
She took notice of the new painting in the hallway.
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Nov 10, 2023
Circular
Pertaining to a shape that is round.
They sat at the circular table for the meeting.
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Nov 10, 2023
Notice
A formal declaration of one's intention to end an agreement.
He submitted his two weeks' notice to his employer.
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Nov 10, 2023
Circular
A letter or advertisement sent to a large number of people.
The company sent out a circular to all its customers about the sale.
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Nov 10, 2023
Notice
The act of noting or observing; perception or attention
That detail escaped my notice.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Circular
A circular route or journey.
They took a circular tour of the city.
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Nov 10, 2023
Notice
Respectful attention or consideration
Grateful for the teacher's notice.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
The condition of being formally warned or notified
Put us on notice for chronic lateness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Using a premise to prove a conclusion that in turn is used to prove the premise
A circular argument.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Defining one word in terms of another that is itself defined in terms of the first word.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
The act of observing; perception.
He took no notice of the changes, and went on as though nothing had happened.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
A printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass distribution.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
(countable) A formal notification or warning.
The sidewalk adjacent to the damaged bridge stonework shall be closed until further notice.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
(uncountable) Prior notification.
I don't mind if you want to change the venue; just give me some notice first, OK?
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Referring back to itself, so as to prevent computation or comprehension; infinitely recursive.
Circular reasoning
Your dictionary defines "brave" as "courageous", and "courageous" as "brave". That's a circular definition.
A circular formula in a spreadsheet
I changed the definition of "sex" from "to have sex" to "to have sexual intercourse"; a dictionary definition must never be circular; using the word being defined to define itself.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
(transitive) To become aware of; to observe.
Did you notice the flowers in her yard?
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
(archaic) Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Syn of flyer: a printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass circulation.
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Oct 19, 2023
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!
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
An announcement, often accompanied by comments or remarks; as, book notices; theatrical notices.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Repeating itself; ending in itself; reverting to the point of beginning; hence, illogical; inconclusive; as, circular reasoning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
To observe; to see; to mark; to take note of; to heed; to pay attention to.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior. See Cyclic poets, under Cyclic.
Had Virgil been a circular poet, and closely adhered to history, how could the Romans have had Dido?
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Addressed to a circle, or to a number of persons having a common interest; circulated, or intended for circulation; as, a circular letter.
A proclamation of Henry III., . . . doubtless circular throughout England.
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Perfect; complete.
A man so absolute and circularIn all those wished-for rarities that may takeA virgin captive.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
An announcement containing information about a future event;
You didn't give me enough notice
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
A circular letter, or paper, usually printed, copies of which are addressed or given to various persons; as, a business circular.
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
The act of noticing or paying attention;
He escaped the notice of the police
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
A request for payment;
The notification stated the grace period and the penalties for defaulting
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution;
He mailed the circular to all subscribers
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement;
A poster advertised the coming attractions
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
Polite or favorable attention;
His hard work soon attracted the teacher's notice
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
A process or argument that returns to its starting point.
The discussion became circular, with no new points being made.
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Nov 10, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Circular
Movement in a round path or orbit.
The planets follow a circular path around the sun.
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Nov 10, 2023
Notice
Notice or perceive;
She noted that someone was following her
Mark my words
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Notice
An announcement or warning given to inform people.
The office put up a notice about the change in working hours.
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Nov 10, 2023
Notice
A small advertisement or announcement in a newspaper.
They placed a notice in the paper for their garage sale.
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Nov 10, 2023
Notice
A sign posted in a public place as an advertisement.
A notice was posted at the bus stop about the lost dog.
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Nov 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a notice be informal?
Notices are generally formal, but their tone can vary depending on the context.
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Nov 27, 2023
How is a circular typically used?
Circulars are used to distribute information or advertisements to a wide audience.
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Nov 27, 2023
What types of information are included in a circular?
Circulars often include promotional, informational, or organizational content.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is the difference in audience between a notice and a circular?
Notices target specific groups or the public, while circulars aim for a broader audience.
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Nov 27, 2023
How are notices typically distributed?
Notices are distributed through public postings, direct communication, or digital platforms.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is a notice always written?
Notices are typically written, but they can also be verbal in some contexts.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can a notice be legally binding?
Some notices, like eviction notices or resignation notices, can be legally binding.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is the primary purpose of a notice?
To inform or alert a specific group or the public about important information.
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Are circulars only used for advertising?
No, circulars can also be used for informative purposes like sharing news or updates.
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How do circulars reach their audience?
Circulars are distributed via mail, email, or handouts, reaching a wide audience.
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What makes a circular effective?
An effective circular grabs attention and clearly communicates its message to a wide audience.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is the typical length of a notice?
Notices are usually brief and concise, delivering the necessary information succinctly.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can a circular be personalized?
Circulars are generally not personalized, as they are meant for mass distribution.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can notices be ignored?
Ignoring notices, especially official ones, can have consequences.
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Are there different types of notices?
Yes, there are various types, including legal notices, public notices, and personal notices.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can circulars be interactive?
With digital circulars, interactivity is possible, like including links or interactive elements.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can circulars be digital?
Yes, circulars can be distributed digitally, like through emails or social media.
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Nov 27, 2023
Do circulars need to be formal?
Circulars can range from formal to casual, depending on their purpose and content.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is a notice always about negative or warning content?
No, notices can also convey neutral or positive information.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is a public notice?
A public notice is information communicated to the public, often about legal or official matters.
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Nov 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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