Nota bene
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This article is about the Italian and Latin phrase. For other uses, see Nota bene (disambiguation).
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Nota bene (pron.: /ˈnoʊtɑːˈbɛnɛ/; alternative pronunciations /ˈnoʊtə ˈbeɪni, ˈbɛni, ˈbini/; plural form notate bene) is an Italian and Latin phrase meaning "note well". [1] The phrase first appeared in writing circa 1721.[2]
Often abbreviated as "NB", "N.B." or "n.b.", nota bene comes from the Latin roots notāre ("to note") and bene ("well").[1] It is in the singular imperative mood, instructing one individual to note well the matter at hand. In present-day English, it is used, particularly in legal papers,[3] to draw the attention of the reader to a certain (side) aspect or detail of the subject on hand, translating it as "pay attention" or "take notice". While "N.B." is often used in academic writing, "note" is a common substitute.
See also [edit]
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Look up nota bene, NB, N.B., or n.b. in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
References [edit]
- ^ a b "nota bene". Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 11th Edition. CollinsDictionary.com. Retrieved 2012-10-22.
- ^ Harper, Douglas (Historian) (2010). "nota bene". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
- ^ "nota bene". HM Courts & Tribunals Service - Glossary of terms - Latin. Her Majesty's Courts Service, United Kingdom. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
