{"id":4643,"date":"2022-06-27T17:47:26","date_gmt":"2022-06-27T17:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=4643"},"modified":"2022-06-27T17:47:26","modified_gmt":"2022-06-27T17:47:26","slug":"duly-noted-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/duly-noted-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Duly Noted \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did your boss send you an email with a list of requests? You could reply with \"duly noted<\/em>\" to confirm your receipt of the instructions and your intention to execute them. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression \"duly noted<\/em>\" serves as a confirmation statement acknowledging someone else's instructions or request. It usually features in professional communications, such as email writing where subordinates confirm a manager's request.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It means that you comply with what the person is asking you, and it also serves as a way for you to acknowledge receipt of their instructions and plan to execute them at their request. If you reply with \"duly noted<\/em>,\" the other person will assume that they don't have to repeat themselves at a later date and that you are competent enough to act on their instructions.<\/p>\n

However, the phrase can have sarcastic use, depending on the request and the situation. Using it with a sarcastic or ironic intent shows the other person that you don't have any interest in what they're saying, and you're likely to forget about it or fail to act on their request.<\/p>\n

Typically, the sarcastic side of the expression suits personal and social use, and using it sarcastically in business would likely get you fired or reprimanded.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cYour request to make the changes to the algorithm is duly noted. We\u2019ll bring them up at the next management meeting on Friday and have an answer for you next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand the required changes, and all your requests are duly noted. We\u2019ll get to work on things right away and have a progress report early next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDuly noted. We understand everything, but how do you intend to bring these changes about\u201d? It\u2019s going to be challenging to get people to comply.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, honey, duly noted. I\u2019ll make sure I take the trash out tomorrow before the garbage truck arrives. Don\u2019t worry about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour opinion is duly noted, and I immediately disregard your reality and substitute my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDuly noted. Thanks for the call, Mike. I appreciate you taking the time to bring me up to date with everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle that, sir, duly noted. We\u2019ll ensure we have the car here at 9 am sharp, and the driver will be aware of your needs on the way to the conference arena.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \u201cduly noted\u201d has unknown origins. However, experts believe it arises from professional language and business-speak in the late 1800s.<\/p>\n

The phrase was a confirmation statement used in professional communications long before the advent of email. The industrial revolution introduced the business hierarchy and the distribution of labor, building businesses into self-sustaining entities where knowing your place in the managerial and ownership hierarchy was important to advance your success.<\/p>\n

Typically, it was an expression used by subordinates when acknowledging instructions from their superiors. The word \u201cduly\u201d comes from Middle English, and the word \u201cduweliche\u201d (properly\u201d or \u201crightly).<\/p>\n