adjectives - Difference between "notable" and "noteworthy"


Which would be more appropriate in this case?



I currently do not have any affiliation that would be notable in the context of this election


I currently do not have any affiliation that would be noteworthy in the context of this election



Or maybe something else altogether?



Answer



According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the words are very similar and used in each other's definitions. For example, the main definition of notable is:



Worthy or deserving of attention, esp. on account of excellence, value, or importance; significant in size or amount; noteworthy, remarkable, striking, signal, eminent.



While noteworthy has the main meaning:



Worthy of attention, observation, or notice; notable, remarkable.



Note, however the bolded portion of the definition for notable--it refers to something as being noticeably and especially great, while something can be noteworthy without having excellence. That is, according to these definitions something which is notable is noteworthy for being good. Further, a person can be notable but not noteworthy.


However, in common use when talking about something (rather than someone), the two terms are used interchangeably. In your context, I would suggest different terms for different tones. You could use notable because of its connotations of importance. However, to erase possible grandeur by giving yourself this importance, you might use noteworthy.


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