Word
footnote
Phoneticsfoot·note, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfʊtˌnoʊt/
UK/fˈʊtnəʊt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small note at the bottom of a page that gives extra information about something written above it. You usually see a tiny number in the main text that tells you to look down at the note.
n. an ancillary piece of information or citation placed at the base of a page, keyed to a specific part of the text by a superscript number or symbol.
Examples
“The author explains the term in a footnote.”
“If you want to find the original source of that quote, check the footnote at the bottom of page twelve.”
“While the main text focuses on the political history of the era, a lengthy footnote provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the working class during that same period.”
Examples
simple
“The author explains the term in a footnote.”
contextual
“If you want to find the original source of that quote, check the footnote at the bottom of page twelve.”
complex
“While the main text focuses on the political history of the era, a lengthy footnote provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the working class during that same period.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically to describe a person or event that is considered minor or secondary in history.
Real-World Examples
“It’s the truth that nobody wants to say.”
As a curious footnote, the last time Balotelli played for Italy was on 7 September 2018, against Poland in Bologna.” Etymology
From foot + note.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/footnote