What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
notary
Example
The notary public verified the signatures on the contract. [notary: noun]
Example
The notary will need to witness your signature on this document. [notary: noun]
scrivener
Example
The scrivener made a copy of the manuscript for the author. [scrivener: noun]
Example
The scrivener drafted the contract for the real estate transaction. [scrivener: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Notary is more commonly used than scrivener in everyday language. Notary is a well-known profession that is required for many legal transactions, while scrivener is less common and may be used more in legal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between notary and scrivener?
Notary is typically associated with a formal and official tone, while scrivener may be associated with a more creative or artistic tone due to its historical association with calligraphy and handwriting.