annotation

An annotation is a note or comment added to a text to provide explanation or criticism about a particular part of it.

Annotation can also refer to the act of annotating—adding annotations.

Annotations are often added to scholarly articles or to literary works that are being analyzed. But the term can be used in a more general way to refer to a note added to any text. For example, a note that you scribble in the margin of your textbook is an annotation, as is an explanatory comment that you add to a list of tasks at work.

Something that has had such notes added to it can be described as annotated.

The word annotation is sometimes abbreviated as annot. (which can also mean annotated or annotator).

Example: The annotations in this edition of the book really helped me to understand the historical context and the meanings of some obscure words.

The first records of the word annotation come from the 1400s. It derives from the Latin annotātus, meaning “noted down,” from the Latin nota, which means “mark” and is also the basis of the English word note.

Typically, annotations are used to comment on a text, such as by adding an explanation, criticism, analysis, or historical perspective. The word can be used in more specific ways in different contexts. In an annotated bibliography, an annotation is added to each citation. In computer programming, annotations are explanatory notes added to strings of code. In genomics, annotations involve interpretations of genes and their possible functions. In all cases, the word refers to some kind of extra information added to an existing thing.

What are some other forms related to annotation?

• reannotation (noun)
• annotate (verb)

What are some synonyms for annotation?

• notation
• comment
• note
• gloss

What are some words that share a root or word element with annotation? 

• annotated
• annotator
• notary

What are some words that often get used in discussing annotation?

• text
• footnote
• endnote
• margin
• explanation
• criticism
• context

Annotation is most commonly used in the context of academic and literary works.

Just a pet peeve. In particular Ulysses fans who are like “I can’t even begin to understand this genius text”. I’m like… well, have you tried getting an edition with annotations? The Jeri Johnson one is great. You could also re-read the Odyssey and Hamlet. Or keep a journal.

— Ms. Lola, Moon Girl 🌙✨ (@mslola1904) July 27, 2020

This 1935 edition of Richard III features copious annotations by actor Sir Laurence Olivier. Olivier was born #otd… https://t.co/7kBroX7bDM pic.twitter.com/zX5s3XAODz

— Folger Shakespeare Library (@FolgerLibrary) May 22, 2017

Most common & least helpful annotation I make in books: “interesting!” In the words of me, tell me more.

— Dahlia Seroussi (@DahliaSeroussi) July 13, 2020

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of annotation?

A. comment
B. title
C. note
D. notation