How to pronounce notation
Say it like noh-TAY-shun. Notation has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce notation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- noh
- TAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Notation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- nohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- TAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of notation
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: noh-TAY-shun.
What does notation mean?
- The act, process, method, or an instance of representing by a system or set of marks, signs, figures, or characters.
- 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.“This section lists all algebraic notation used in this book.”
- A specific note or piece of information written in such a notation.“She made a notation in the margin of the book.”
Where does notation come from?
From Latin notātiō, equivalent to notate + -ion or note + -ation.
Words that rhyme with notation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of notation.
Questions about saying notation
How do you pronounce notation?
Say noh-TAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /noʊˈteɪʃən/. In British English it is /nəʊˈteɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in notation?
Notation has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAY). Broken into parts: noh · TAY · shun.
Is notation pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /nəʊˈteɪʃən/ (noh-TAY-shun).