Footnoted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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footnoted
[ˈfʊtˌnoʊtɪd ]
Definition
academic writing
To footnote means to provide a reference at the bottom of a page, indicating the source of a statement or idea. This is commonly used in academic writing to give credit to original authors and allow readers to locate the sources themselves.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The author footnoted her sources carefully.
- He believes in footnoting every claim he makes in his research.
- Many researchers footnote to enhance the credibility of their work.
- The paper was well-organized, with every assertion footnoted.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Footnotes became common in scholarly writing during the Renaissance when texts required extensive referencing.
- The use of footnotes expanded with the invention of the printing press, allowing authors to provide clarifications without crowding the main text.
Literature
- Many famous authors, such as James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, incorporated footnotes to provide deeper insights or commentary.
- Footnotes can serve as a means for authors to engage in dialogue with their readers, offering additional perspectives or context.
Academic Usage
- In academic papers, footnotes are crucial for citing sources, allowing readers to verify information.
- Different citation styles, like APA and Chicago, have specific rules about how footnotes are formatted and used.
Pop Culture
- Footnotes have been humorously parodied in modern literature, where they add an extra layer of meaning to the text.
- Some novels, like 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski, use footnotes to create complex narratives that challenge traditional storytelling.
Origin of 'footnoted'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'footnote' originates from the placement of notes at the bottom (foot) of a page.
- It combines the words 'foot' (the bottom) and 'note' (a message or remark).
The term 'footnote' originates from the combination of 'foot' and 'note', with 'foot' referring to the bottom part of a page where the notes appear. The use of footnotes can be traced back to the 16th century. They were initially employed in scholarly work to provide additional information without interrupting the main text, allowing readers to engage with the material at a deeper level. Over the years, footnoting has evolved into a fundamental practice in academia and published works to enhance the reliability and transparency of information by acknowledging sources and providing clarification. Footnotes have become indispensable in legal documents, research papers, and literary critique, establishing a clear lineage of thought and support for the arguments presented.