Definition of marginalia

The word "marginalia" dates back to the 15th century. Derived from the Latin words "marginalis," meaning "of the margin," and "ia," a suffix indicating a place or condition, "marginalia" originally referred to notes or comments written in the margins or outskirts of a book, typically in the hand of the book's owner or a scholar. In medieval times, marginal notes were used to record observations, critiques, or queries related to the text. This practice allowed scholars to engage with the material more intimately, flagging important points, pointing out errors, or adding explanations. Over time, the term "marginalia" has expanded to include annotations of any kind, be they written in the margins, on index cards, or even on sticky notes. Today, the word "marginalia" is often used to describe the annotations we leave behind in our own learning, creative, and research processes – a testament to the enduring value of written marginal notes in the pursuit of knowledge!