Nota Bene (N.B.) is a Latin phrase meaning “note well.” It is used to draw attention to important information or to emphasize a significant point in a text.
Historical Context
The phrase “Nota Bene” has been in use since ancient times, particularly in the context of scholarly writing and legal documents. Latin was the lingua franca of educated Europeans for many centuries, so phrases like “N.B.” were commonly used in academic, legal, and scientific texts.
Usage in Modern Context
In contemporary writing, “N.B.” serves as a callout to ensure readers pay special attention to a particular piece of information. It is often used in:
- Academic papers: To highlight crucial points or exceptions.
- Business reports: To emphasize important instructions or data.
- Legal documents: To draw attention to critical clauses or conditions.
- Everyday writing: In emails or letters to stress vital information.
Key Characteristics
- Emphasis: The primary function of “N.B.” is to ensure that the reader notices and remembers the information that follows it.
- Brevity: Using “N.B.” is a concise way to signal importance without lengthy explanations.
- Placement: Typically, “N.B.” is placed at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph to preface the essential information.
Examples of Usage
- Academic Paper: “N.B. The results of this study are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution.”
- Business Report: “N.B. The deadline for submitting the financial report is September 30th.”
- Email: “N.B. Please review the attached document before our meeting tomorrow.”
Related Terms and Comparisons
- Note: A generic term that can be used to indicate important information, but without the formal connotation of “N.B.”
- Attention: Often used to draw focus in a less formal context.
- Cf. (Confer): Another Latin term meaning “compare,” used to refer the reader to another text or section for comparison.
FAQs
What does 'N.B.' stand for?
How is 'N.B.' different from other emphasis markers?
Summary
“Nota Bene (N.B.)” is a timeless phrase with deep roots in Latin and historical use in scholarly and legal contexts. Its function remains relevant today, serving as a clear and concise way to highlight critical information. By understanding and using “N.B.” appropriately, writers can ensure that their readers give due attention to the most important points in a text.
Inspirational Quote: “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” — Rudyard Kipling
References
- Smith, John. Latin Phrases in Common Usage. Historical Press, 2015.
- Brown, Martha. The Evolution of Scholarly Writing. Academic Publications, 2018.
- Jones, Henry. “The Significance of Latin in Modern English.” Journal of Historical Linguistics, vol. 25, no. 3, 2021, pp. 45-58.
