Annotation: meaning, definitions and examples

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annotation

 

[ ˌanəˈteɪʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

writing

A note added to a text, book, drawing, etc., as a comment or explanation.

Synonyms

comment, explanation, note.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
annotation

Used in academic or technical contexts to refer to a brief note or explanation added to text, diagrams, or images.

  • The professor's annotation helped clarify the complex concept.
  • Please add annotations to the margins to highlight key points.
note

Typically used in informal or formal communications to indicate a brief, often written, reminder or information. It can also be a short remark or statement added in text, sometimes to provide additional information.

  • He left a note on the fridge reminding her to buy milk.
  • The manager made a note of the customer’s complaint.
comment

Useful when giving feedback, expressing an opinion, or adding a remark in a conversation or written text. Can also be less formal and used in online platforms and social media.

  • Her comment on the article sparked an interesting discussion.
  • Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
explanation

Best used when providing a detailed account or clarification of an idea, situation, or concept. Often used in educational, professional, or informative settings.

  • The scientist's explanation of the phenomenon was very thorough.
  • I need a clear explanation of how this machine works.

Examples of usage

  • It's always helpful to include annotations in your research papers.
  • She made annotations in the margins of her textbook to help her study.
  • The professor asked us to write annotations for each chapter of the novel.
  • The annotations in the art book provided valuable insights into the artist's techniques.
  • Her annotations helped her remember key points during the lecture.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A label or tag attached to something for identification or classification.

Synonyms

label, marker, tag.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
annotation

Used when adding explanatory notes or comments to a text or diagram, often for clarification or further explanation.

  • The teacher's annotation on the student's essay helped improve the argument
  • The book's annotations provided useful historical context
label

Used when identifying or classifying an item, object, or concept, often by attaching a physical or metaphorical marker.

  • He put a label on each box indicating its contents
  • The label on the jar said 'Strawberry Jam'
tag

Used when adding a brief identifier or keyword, often in a digital context, for classification or organization. Can also refer to a physical tag attached to items for identification.

  • She added a tag to her blog post for easier searching
  • The price tag on the shirt was missing
marker

Used when placing an indicator or sign as a point of reference, either physically or metaphorically, often for navigation or identification.

  • The trail markers helped hikers stay on the path
  • Use a highlighter as a marker for important text

Examples of usage

  • The file had an annotation indicating its author and creation date.
  • The software allows users to add annotations to images for better organization.
  • Each item in the database was marked with a unique annotation for easy retrieval.
Context #3 | Noun

music

A note or group of notes added to a musical score for performance.

Synonyms

addition, marking, note.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
annotation

Typically used in academic or technical contexts to refer to explanatory notes or comments added to a text, diagram, or data.

  • The professor's annotations helped clarify the most difficult parts of the textbook
note

Used in a variety of contexts to refer to a brief record or reminder, often informal and personal.

  • She left a note on the fridge to remind herself to buy groceries
marking

Commonly refers to the act of indicating or identifying something, especially related to grading or labeling.

  • The teacher's marking of the essays was very detailed
addition

This word is used when referring to something that is added or supplemented to an existing entity, whether it's tangible or intangible.

  • The new chapter was a great addition to the book

Examples of usage

  • The conductor made annotations on the sheet music to guide the orchestra.
  • She added annotations to the piano piece to indicate tempo changes.
  • His annotations in the score helped the musicians interpret the piece more accurately.

Translations

Translations of the word "annotation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anotação

🇮🇳 टिप्पणी

🇩🇪 Anmerkung

🇮🇩 anotasi

🇺🇦 анотація

🇵🇱 adnotacja

🇯🇵 注釈 (ちゅうしゃく)

🇫🇷 annotation

🇪🇸 anotación

🇹🇷 anotasyon

🇰🇷 주석 (注釋)

🇸🇦 تعليق

🇨🇿 poznámka

🇸🇰 poznámka

🇨🇳 注释 (zhùshì)

🇸🇮 opomba

🇮🇸 athugasemd

🇰🇿 түсініктеме

🇬🇪 შენიშვნა

🇦🇿 şərh

🇲🇽 anotación

Etymology

The word 'annotation' originates from the Latin word 'annotatio', which means 'a note or explanation'. The concept of adding annotations to texts dates back to ancient times when scholars would write notes in the margins of manuscripts to provide additional information. Over the centuries, the practice of annotation has evolved to include various forms of commentary, labeling, and note-taking across different fields such as literature, technology, and music.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,943, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.