Footnote: meaning, definitions and examples
📚
footnote
[ ˈfʊtˌnoʊt ]
writing reference
A footnote is a note at the bottom of a page that offers additional information or citations for a particular part of the text. It is usually indicated by a superscript number in the main body of the text, linking it to the corresponding citation in the footnote. Footnotes serve to clarify or expand upon points raised in the main text without disrupting the flow of reading.
Synonyms
annotation, note, reference
Examples of usage
- The author included a footnote to explain her research method.
- In his essay, he used a footnote to reference an important source.
- Footnotes can provide valuable context for complex ideas.
- Check the footnote at the bottom of the page for more details.
Translations
Translations of the word "footnote" in other languages:
🇵🇹 nota de rodapé
🇮🇳 पाद टिप्पणी
🇩🇪 Fußnote
🇮🇩 catatan kaki
🇺🇦 виноска
🇵🇱 pr przypis
🇯🇵 脚注
🇫🇷 note de bas de page
🇪🇸 nota al pie
🇹🇷 dipnot
🇰🇷 각주
🇸🇦 هوامش
🇨🇿 poznámka pod čarou
🇸🇰 poznámka pod čiarou
🇨🇳 脚注
🇸🇮 opomba pod črto
🇮🇸 fótnot
🇰🇿 аяқнота
🇬🇪 ქვედა შენიშვნა
🇦🇿 ayaq qeydi
🇲🇽 nota al pie
Etymology
The term 'footnote' originates from the combination of the words 'foot' and 'note', and it refers to notes that are placed at the bottom of a page, effectively 'at the foot' of the written content. The practice of using footnotes can be traced back to ancient texts, where scribes would add clarifications or references to enhance understanding. The usage of footnotes became more standardized with the advent of printing in the 15th century, allowing authors to provide extensive commentary without cluttering the main text. In academic and literary contexts, footnotes have been essential in establishing credibility, providing source citations, and facilitating intellectual discourse. Over time, footnotes have evolved in format and usage, adapting to various styles of writing and publishing, but their primary function remains the same: to convey additional information unobtrusively.