notify
Meaning
to inform someone of something, typically in a formal or official manner.
(computing) to send a message or alert to a user or system.
Structure
Usage
the school will notify parents if classes are canceled due to snow.
please notify the authorities immediately if you witness any suspicious activity.
the app will notify you when your download is complete.
Etymology
the word 'notify' entered english in the late 14th century from old french 'notifier', which itself was derived from latin 'notificare', meaning 'to make known'. this latin verb is a compound of 'nota' (a mark, sign, note) and the combining form '-ficare' (from 'facere', to make). the literal sense is thus 'to make a note known' or 'to make something into a sign for others'. the semantic journey reflects a shift from the physical act of marking or indicating to the more abstract process of formal communication and information sharing, retaining the core idea of causing information to be recognized.
Analysis
- not: from latin 'nota', meaning a mark, sign, or note. serves as the base/root conveying the core concept of a sign or information. - ify: from latin '-ificare', a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make'. serves as a derivational suffix that turns the noun base into a verb.