Dagger Symbol

	HTML	Meaning
†	† † U+2020	Dagger A typographical mark used primarily to indicate a footnote if an asterisk has already been used.
‡	‡ ‡ U+2021	Double Dagger Used for a second footnote when an asterisk and a dagger have already been used.
*	* U+2A	Asterisk Commonly used to indicate a footnote or to emphasize a passage of text.
※	※ U+203B	Reference Mark Commonly used in East Asian texts to call attention to a footnote or annotation similar to the use of an asterisk in English.

What is the Dagger Symbol?

The dagger symbol, denoted as †, is primarily used in written text to indicate a footnote, especially when an asterisk (*) has already been employed for a previous footnote. It is an essential tool in academic, scientific, and general publications to add supplemental information.

How to Use the Dagger Symbol

The dagger is placed immediately after the text that it references, usually at the end of a sentence or clause. For instance:

• The event will be held on December 15th†, with registration beginning at 9 AM.
• This assertion has been challenged by several experts‡ in the field.

The related footnote information is typically provided at the bottom of the page or at the end of a chapter or section.

Difference Between the Dagger and Other Similar Symbols

While the dagger is used for footnotes, it's crucial to differentiate it from other footnote symbols:

• Asterisk (*) - First level of footnotes.
• Dagger (†) - Used when an asterisk has already been used.
• Double Dagger (‡) - Used when both an asterisk and a dagger have already been used.

History of the Dagger Symbol

The dagger, also known as obelisk, has its origins in ancient Roman and Greek texts. Initially, it was utilized to mark out superfluous words or passages. Over time, its purpose evolved to indicate footnotes in scholarly works and religious texts.

How to Type the Dagger Symbol Using Keyboard Shortcuts and Alt Codes

• On Windows: Hold down the Alt key and type 0134 for the dagger or 0135 for the double dagger, then release the Alt key.
• On Mac: For the dagger, press Option + 7. For the double dagger, there's no direct shortcut, but it can be inserted from the character viewer.
• On many Linux systems: Use the character map utility to locate and insert the dagger and double dagger symbols.
• For HTML coding: For the dagger, use † and for the double dagger, use ‡.

Common Uses of the Dagger in Various Disciplines

• Literature: Often used to indicate footnotes or additional references in books and articles.
• Religious Texts: Used in certain editions of the Bible to mark verses with specific annotations.
• Music: In music notation, the dagger may indicate that a note should be raised by a diesis, which is smaller than a semitone.

Useful Tips and Conventions

When using the dagger for footnotes:

• Always start with an asterisk for the first footnote, then proceed to the dagger, and finally the double dagger if more footnotes are required.
• Ensure consistency in its usage throughout a document.
• Remember to provide clear and relevant information in the corresponding footnote for clarity.

Symbols' Images