obelus
Very LowFormal, Technical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A symbol (†) used as a reference mark in printed text, or to indicate a doubtful or spurious reading.
Primarily refers to the dagger symbol (†). Historically, it also referred to the division sign (÷) or a mark (— or ÷) used in ancient manuscripts to indicate questionable passages.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In modern typography and publishing, 'obelus' almost exclusively means the dagger (†), used as a second-order footnote symbol after the asterisk. Its historical meaning as a critical mark in textual scholarship is now highly specialised.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical, with connotations of scholarly editing, typography, or mathematics (historical).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to specialist texts on typography, publishing, or classical scholarship.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [editor] used an obelus to [mark the spurious passage].An obelus [follows the asterisk] in the [footnote sequence].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in specialist fields: typography, textual criticism, publishing, history of mathematics.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Refers to the † symbol in typesetting and document formatting.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This symbol † is called an obelus.
- In the footnote, the author used an obelus after the asterisk.
- The editor inserted an obelus next to the line believed to be a later interpolation.
- In critical editions of ancient texts, an obelus traditionally denotes a passage considered corrupt or spurious by the scholar.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'obelisk' – a tall, pointed monument. An obelus (†) looks like a tiny, stylised dagger or monument.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/DOUBT IS A MARK. The symbol physically marks where knowledge is uncertain or requires additional reference.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'обе́лиск' (obelisk, the monument). The Russian term for the symbol is 'знак крестика', 'знак кинжала', or 'обе́лус' (a direct borrowing, very rare).
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as /oʊˈbiː.ləs/ (incorrect).
- Confusing it with the asterisk (*) or the division sign (÷).
- Using it in general writing instead of standard footnote numbers.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'obelus' most commonly used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, the term was used for the division sign (÷), but in modern English, 'obelus' almost always refers to the dagger symbol (†). The division sign is now simply called 'division sign' or 'obelus' only in historical contexts.
In very formal or academic publishing, you might use an obelus (†) as a footnote symbol if you have already used an asterisk (*) and need a second symbol. It is not used in everyday or business writing.
The traditional sequence is: asterisk (*), obelus/dagger (†), double dagger (‡), section sign (§), paragraph mark (¶).
No, it is a very rare, specialist term. Most native English speakers would not know it, and would simply call the † symbol a 'dagger'.