Footnote: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'footnote' comes from the phrase 'note at the foot of the page,' reflecting its placement.
• Footnotes can be traced back to ancient texts, where scholars added comments or clarifications in the margins.

Academic Usage

• Footnotes are widely used in research papers to cite sources, providing credit to original authors.
• They can also include additional context or commentary to enhance the reader's understanding without crowding the main text.

Literary Significance

• Some authors use footnotes in creative ways to inject humor, sarcasm, or personal anecdotes into their writing.
• Bestselling author David Foster Wallace often utilized footnotes in his work as a unique storytelling device.

Cultural References

• In film and literature, footnotes often symbolize added depth or complexity to a narrative, inviting readers to dig deeper.
• They appear in various formats, including digital books and articles, adapting to modern publishing trends.

Design and Formatting

• Footnotes must be carefully formatted to maintain clarity; they often use smaller text to distinguish them from main content.
• Some styles, like APA or MLA, have specific guidelines on how to format footnotes and references in academic writing.