side-note
Definition
- Noun:
- A marginal note: "side-note" refers to a brief comment or annotation written in the margin of a page, separate from the main text.
- An incidental remark: In conversation or writing, a "side-note" is a minor or secondary point made alongside the primary topic.
Usage Examples
As a marginal note:
- The editor added a side-note clarifying the historical context. (A brief comment in the margin.)
- I wrote several side-notes in my textbook to help me study. (Annotations in the margin.)
As an incidental remark:
- As a side-note, the weather was perfect for the event. (An additional, less important comment.)
- He made a side-note about the budget before returning to the main agenda. (A secondary remark.)
Advanced Usage
- "to make a side-note": to add a brief, supplementary comment.
- Let me make a side-note about the deadline. (To mention an additional detail.)
- "by way of a side-note": used to introduce a minor or tangential point.
- By way of a side-note, I should mention the team's excellent effort. (As an aside.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sidenote (n): a common variant spelling without the hyphen.
- The teacher's sidenote helped explain the difficult concept. (A marginal comment.)
- Marginal note (n phrase): a note written in the margin, synonymous with "side-note".
- The book is filled with marginal notes from the previous owner. (Handwritten comments in the margin.)
Synonyms
- Annotation: a note added to a text for explanation or comment.
- Aside: a remark made in a low voice or as a digression.
- Marginalia: notes written in the margins of a book (plural form).
Related Idioms
- "Note in passing": a brief, incidental comment.
- As a note in passing, the project was completed ahead of schedule. (A side-note of minor importance.)
- "On a side note": a common phrase used to introduce an unrelated or secondary point.
- On a side note, I heard the restaurant is closing. (An additional, tangential observation.)