Definitions
- Referring to the act of catching sight of something or someone unexpectedly. - Describing the action of noticing something from a distance or through an obstacle. - Talking about discovering or detecting something that was previously hidden or unnoticed.
- Referring to the act of becoming aware of something through observation or attention. - Describing the action of paying attention to something or someone. - Talking about acknowledging or recognizing something or someone.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve the act of perceiving something.
- 2Both can refer to visual or auditory perception.
- 3Both can be used as verbs or nouns.
- 4Both can be used in formal or informal contexts.
- 5Both can be used to describe the act of paying attention.
What is the difference?
- 1Distance: Espy implies seeing something from a distance or through an obstacle, while notice can refer to any kind of perception.
- 2Unexpectedness: Espy suggests catching sight of something unexpectedly, while notice can refer to both expected and unexpected observations.
- 3Attention: Notice emphasizes the act of paying attention, while espy emphasizes the act of seeing something.
- 4Formality: Espy is less common and more formal than notice, which is a more versatile and commonly used word.
- 5Connotation: Espy has a more literary or poetic connotation, while notice is more neutral and everyday.
Remember this!
Espy and notice are synonyms that both refer to the act of perceiving something. However, espy emphasizes the act of seeing something unexpectedly or from a distance, while notice emphasizes the act of paying attention and becoming aware of something. Espy is less common and more formal than notice, which is a more versatile and commonly used word.
