Definition

1. Noun:

   • A note of reference, explanation, or comment placed below the main text on a printed page or at the end of a book, chapter, or document. It is typically indicated by a superscript number or symbol in the main text.

2. Verb:

   • To add a footnote or footnotes to a text; to provide with explanatory or critical notes at the bottom of the page.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The author included a lengthy footnote to cite the original source of the quotation.
  • For more details on this historical event, see footnote 3 on page 45.

• Verb:

  • The editor asked the researcher to footnote all statistical claims.
  • She carefully footnoted her thesis to ensure proper academic attribution.

Advanced Usage

• "to relegate something to a footnote": to treat something as minor or insignificant, often in a historical or academic context.
  • The contributions of many female scientists have been relegated to a footnote in history.

Variants and Related Words

• Endnote (n): A note of reference or explanation placed at the end of a book, chapter, or article, rather than at the bottom of the page.
• Annotation (n): A note of explanation or comment added to a text.
• Footnote can function as both a noun and a verb, as shown above.

Synonyms

• Note (n): A brief record of facts or comments.
• Annotation (n): A critical or explanatory note.
• Comment (n): An explanatory remark.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• A mere footnote in history: Describes a person or event considered too minor to be remembered as a main part of history.
  • Despite his local fame, he remained a mere footnote in national history.

Noun

1. a printed note placed below the text on a printed page

Verb

1. add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
   • The scholar annotated the early edition of a famous novel