What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protonotary
Example
The protonotary apostolic is one of the highest-ranking officials in the Roman Catholic Church. [protonotary: noun]
Example
The protonotary of the court is responsible for maintaining the records and documents of the court. [protonotary: noun]
Example
The protonotary public is authorized to authenticate legal documents and administer oaths. [protonotary: noun]
notary
Example
The notary public is authorized to authenticate legal documents and administer oaths. [notary: noun]
Example
The notary witnessed the signing of the contract and certified it with a seal. [notary: noun]
Example
The notary administered the oath of office to the newly elected official. [notary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notary is more commonly used than protonotary in everyday language and legal contexts. Notary is a versatile term that covers a wide range of legal documents and transactions, while protonotary is a more specialized term with a narrower scope of application.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between protonotary and notary?
Protonotary is a more formal term than notary, as it is associated with the Roman Catholic Church and some courts of law. Notary is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
