| HTML | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| ※ |
※U+203B |
Reference Mark Commonly used in East Asian texts to denote a footnote or attention point. It signals that a note follows, usually to provide additional information. |
| † |
††U+2020 |
Dagger Traditionally used as a reference mark in ancient texts. Today, it's often used for footnotes, especially when an asterisk has already been used. |
| ‡ |
‡‡U+2021 |
Double Dagger Used for a second footnote when the dagger has already been used. It's a way to add another reference point without resorting to numeric footnotes. |
| * |
*U+2A |
Asterisk Often used to indicate a footnote or a reference mark. It's especially common in Western texts. |
| … |
……U+2026 |
Ellipsis Used to indicate an omission or a pause in speech. In the context of references, it might be used to indicate that some text has been left out. |
What is the Reference Mark?
The reference mark, represented as ※, is frequently used in East Asian texts to indicate footnotes or points of attention. It serves as a marker that some explanatory note follows, often at the bottom of a page or in an adjacent column.
Usage and Differences Between Common Reference Marks
Reference marks come in various forms, each with its history and usage. It's essential to understand the distinctions to use them accurately:
- ※ - Predominantly used in East Asian contexts for footnotes.
- † (Dagger) and ‡ (Double Dagger) - Often used in Western texts, with the dagger signaling the first footnote and the double dagger indicating a second one.
- * (Asterisk) - A universal symbol for denoting footnotes or to highlight specific points.
Historical Context of the Reference Mark
The exact origins of the reference mark ※ are not entirely clear, but it's been a fixture in East Asian literature and scholarly works for centuries. Similarly, daggers and double daggers have roots in ancient Latin texts, where they were used to highlight corrections or annotations.
How to Type the Reference Marks Using Keyboard Shortcuts and Alt Codes
- ※ - This symbol might not have a direct keyboard shortcut in many systems, but in HTML coding, it can be represented as
※. - † (Dagger) - On Windows: Alt +
0134. For HTML coding:†. - ‡ (Double Dagger) - On Windows: Alt +
0135. For HTML coding:‡.
Symbols' Images
