Duly Noted | Definition, Meaning & Examples

Duly noted is a commonly used phrase that means “understood and taken into account.” The phrase is made up using the adverb “duly” (i.e., “in the correct manner”) and the verb “noted” (i.e., “acknowledged”).

Its most common use is in professional or formal contexts. When used more informally, it is often meant ironically as a way of disregarding the opinion expressed.

Examples: Duly noted in a sentence
Your comments about the new building development have been duly noted by the mayor.

The principal was wearied by the complaints, but nonetheless she duly noted them in the file.

Thank you for your comments; we have duly noted them.

What does duly noted mean?

Duly noted is a phrase that means that something has been given the proper acknowledgment or recognition. It is more likely to be used in written contexts, especially in professional or formal settings. It can also be used verbally and in less formal contexts. It can stand on its own or form part of a sentence.

Examples: Uses of duly noted
Duly noted.

The complaints from the patients’ association were duly noted by the hospital board.

The investigation found that although the advice had been duly noted, it had not been acted on.

Is duly noted sarcastic?

Duly noted can be used sarcastically, especially in informal settings. As with all sarcasm and irony, it is used to mean the opposite of its surface meaning.

Example: Duly noted as sarcasm
Person A: I think you’ve had enough to drink, darling.

Person B: Duly noted. Same again, please, barkeep!

There is always the risk that duly noted can seem rude because it is such a short phrase. If you mean it sincerely, then it is usually worth the extra time to add another comment that makes your sincerity clear.

Example: Duly noted used sincerely
Duly noted. I’ll make sure I follow this up this week.

Dually noted, dooly noted, dully noted, duely noted, dualy noted

“Dually noted,” “dooly noted,” “dully noted,” “duely noted,” and “dualy noted” are all incorrect spellings of the phrase duly noted. “Duly” (pronounced [doo-lee]) is an adverb formed from the adjective “due.”

“Dually” ([doo-uh-lee]) is the adverb form of the adjective “dual,” while “dully” ([dull-ee]) is the adverb from the adjective “dull.” Neither word makes sense in this context. “Dooly,” “duely,” and “dualy” are not actual words.

Example: Duly noted misspelled
  • Your complaints have been duly noted.
  • Your complaints have been dooly noted.

Frequently asked questions about duly noted

What is a synonym for duly noted?

These are some synonyms and near synonyms for duly noted:

  • Acknowledged
  • Understood
  • Point taken
  • Duly considered
  • Taken into consideration
  • Taken into account

Duly noted is usually used in formal or professional contexts, and can be used on its own as a short note (e.g., “Duly noted”) or as part of a longer comment (e.g., “Your suggestions have been duly noted”).

The QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool can help you vary your vocabulary to reflect your intended meaning.

Is duly noted formal?

Duly noted is most often found in formal, professional settings. It is a quick way of acknowledging that an opinion or idea has been expressed and taken note of.

When used informally, it can be meant sarcastically to signify the exact opposite and to say that you are dismissing the opinion.

The QuillBot Paraphrasing Tool can help you vary your vocabulary to reflect your intended meaning.

What does dually noted mean?

“Dually noted” is an incorrect spelling of the expression duly noted. “Duly noted” signifies that something has been given appropriate consideration and taken into account.

“Duly noted” can be used on its own as a response (e.g., “Duly noted”) or as part of a longer comment (e.g., “Your comments have been duly noted”).

The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you catch this and other mistakes.

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Trevor Marshall, MSc

Trevor has a BA in English Literature & Language and an MSc in Applied Social Studies. He has been a teacher for 25 years, with 15 years experience teaching ESL alongside 1st language students.