Footnoting: meaning, definitions and examples

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footnoting

 

[ ˈfʊtˌnoʊtɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

academic writing

Footnoting is a method of citing sources and providing additional information or commentary within a written work. It typically appears at the bottom of a page, allowing readers to easily reference the source material or gain further insights without disrupting the flow of the main text. This method is commonly used in academic disciplines, particularly in the humanities, where it’s important to credit original ideas and provide relevant background information. Proper footnoting aids in academic integrity by allowing readers to trace the origin of thoughts and claims made in the text.

Synonyms

citation, endnote, referencing

Examples of usage

  • The researcher used footnoting to cite her sources diligently.
  • Footnoting in historical essays can enhance the depth of analysis.
  • Academic journals often require strict adherence to footnoting styles.

Translations

Translations of the word "footnoting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 notação de rodapé

🇮🇳 पाद टिप्पणी

🇩🇪 Fußnotierung

🇮🇩 catatan kaki

🇺🇦 виноска

🇵🇱 przypis dolny

🇯🇵 脚注付け

🇫🇷 note de bas de page

🇪🇸 nota al pie

🇹🇷 dipnotlama

🇰🇷 각주

🇸🇦 التعليق السفلي

🇨🇿 poznámka pod čarou

🇸🇰 poznámka pod čiarou

🇨🇳 脚注

🇸🇮 opomba pod črto

🇮🇸 fótnotur

🇰🇿 аяқсөз

🇬🇪 ფეხსაცმელი

🇦🇿 ayaq notu

🇲🇽 nota al pie

Etymology

The term 'footnote' derives from the practice of placing additional information at the foot, or bottom, of a page of a book or document. Its use dates back to the medieval period, where scholars would annotate texts to provide explanations, references, or commentary. The practice became more prevalent during the Renaissance, as the rise of printed books made it easier to include notes for readers. The term itself has evolved, but the core function of footnoting remains similar: to enhance the reader's understanding by providing supplementary information that could be distracting if incorporated into the main text. In academic writing, footnotes are governed by specific styles, such as Chicago, APA, or MLA, each with their own rules regarding formatting and information included.