noun

die Fußnote, -n

footnote

Definition & meaning

A Fußnote is a note placed at the bottom of a page in a document or book. It provides additional information, references, comments, or citations related to the main text above it, usually indicated by a small superscript number or symbol.

  1. Academic/Literal: A note at the foot of a page.
  2. Figurative: A marginal or minor detail that is not central to the main subject, often used to describe something of secondary importance (e.g., "The event was merely a Fußnote in history").

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a feminine noun (die). It is a compound word formed from two German terms:

  • Fuß: Meaning foot or base (referring to the bottom of the page).
  • Note: Meaning note or mark.

Grammatically, it follows the standard declension for feminine nouns, with the plural form adding an "-n" (die Fußnoten).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Anmerkung
  • Randbemerkung
  • Kommentar

Antonyms:

  • Haupttext (Main text)
  • Kerngedanke (Core idea)

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Examples

Die Fußnote enthält wichtige Informationen.noun

The footnote contains important information.

Eine Fußnote kann oft zusätzliche Informationen bieten.noun

A footnote can often provide additional information.

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