Read along with the three podcasts, or open the full dictionary entry for Nb for the definition, Arabic meaning, synonyms and example sentences.
Narrator: Today's word is "NB" — abbreviation, pronounced /ˌɛnˈbiː/, standing for nota bene.
Narrator: NB is a Latin abbreviation meaning note well, used to draw attention to something important.
Narrator: In plain English, NB means take note — like writing NB at the top of a letter to highlight a key point.
Narrator: It comes from the Latin nota bene, meaning note well, from notare, to note, and bene, well.
Narrator: "NB:" describes a note that draws attention to something important.
Narrator: It differs from PS because NB highlights importance, whereas PS adds an afterthought.
Narrator: "An NB at the foot of" is a sense meaning a note added to draw attention at the bottom of a document.
Narrator: Writing, correspondence, academia, publishing and everyday speech all rely on the abbreviation NB.
Narrator: So remember: NB means note well, from the Latin nota bene.
Speaker A: What does NB mean?
Speaker B: Note well! NB comes from the Latin nota bene, meaning note well, so it's used to draw attention to something important.
Speaker A: So it's like PS?
Speaker B: Similar — but NB highlights importance rather than adding an afterthought!
Speaker A: Example sentences?
Speaker B: "NB:"; "an NB at the foot of"; "NB the deadline" — highlighting, placement and reminder.
Speaker A: Common mistakes?
Speaker B: Don't confuse NB with PS, because NB means note well, while PS means postscript, an afterthought.
Speaker A: Close relatives?
Speaker B: 'PS' the afterthought cousin, 'note' the general twin, 'attention' the directing alternative. The abbreviation keeps its noting charm!
Speaker B: Let's use "NB" in AI prompts — useful for document apps and note tools.
Speaker A: So a prompt could frame documents?
Speaker B: Right. For a document app, you'd write:
Prompt: Write a short guide to using NB in formal letters, naming two examples.
Speaker A: How about a note tool?
Speaker B: Ask the model to advise:
Prompt: Draft a template with NB markers for key deadlines, naming two sections.
Speaker A: Could it help with an academic bot?
Speaker B: Yes, you can frame research:
Prompt: Summarise in two sentences why NB matters in academic writing, naming one reason.
Speaker A: One more?
Speaker B: For an email chatbot, try this:
Prompt: Write a short note on NB versus PS, naming one difference.
Nb — meaning in Arabic & definition More N courses GL Dictionary