Footnote

Definition

Footnote is a noun that refers to a note at the bottom of a page that provides additional information, citations, or references to the main text. As a verb, it means to add a footnote to a document or publication.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (transitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈfʊt.noʊt/
• Respelling: FOOT-noht

British English

• IPA: /ˈfʊt.nəʊt/
• Respelling: FOOT-noht

Etymology

Late 17th century: from foot (in reference to the bottom) + note, referring to the location of the note at the bottom of the page.

Derivatives

• footnoted (verb past)
• footnoting (verb gerund)
• footnoted (adjective)

Synonyms

• annotation
• reference
• citation

Antonyms

• main text
• body (of the text)

Usage

Noun: The noun "footnote" is used in academic, literary, and formal contexts to provide supplementary information. For example, "The author included a footnote explaining the source of the quote," or "Please see the footnote for further details on the research."

Verb: As a verb, "to footnote" refers to the act of adding a footnote to a text. For example, "The editor footnoted the key references in the manuscript."

Related Terms

• Endnote: A citation or note placed at the end of a chapter or document.
• Reference: A citation used to support the main text or provide additional information.
• Bibliography: A list of sources referenced in a text.
• Source: The original work or document being cited in a footnote.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A note at the bottom of the page – provides supplementary details, clarifications, or citations related to the content above.
  • Example: "The footnote referenced a study conducted in 2010."
• A citation or comment for further explanation – typically used in formal writing to avoid cluttering the main text with excessive details.
  • Example: "The footnote provided additional context for the legal terms used in the paragraph."

Verb

• To add a footnote – to insert a citation, explanation, or reference at the bottom of a page.
  • Example: "The researcher footnoted several sources in the article."