Remarques

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Comments or annotations made on a text or document to provide explanation or insight ; brief notes added for clarification or emphasis ; observations or remarks recorded as part of a critique or analysis
2. Brief textual notes or critiques added to a manuscript or report for interpretation ; marginalia or explanatory jottings intended to clarify or comment ; critical observations or explanations appended to content for understanding
3. Explanatory or critical notes inserted into written material to highlight points ; short remarks or annotations intended to offer additional information ; evaluative comments or insights attached to a text for review purposes

Etymology: The English noun "remarques" traces its origin to the French word "remarque," which means "remark" or "note." This French term itself comes from the verb "remarquer," meaning "to notice" or "to observe," formed from the prefix "re-" implying repetition or emphasis, combined with "marquer," meaning "to mark" or "to note." The verb "marquer" is derived from Old French and ultimately from the Late Latin "marcare," which means "to mark" or "to brand." In English usage, "remarques" has a very specialized meaning, particularly in the context of rare books and printing. It refers to small decorative sketches or ornamental marks added by an artist or printer in the margins or blank spaces of a page, often as a form of embellishment or to indicate a special edition. This sense was borrowed directly from the French in the early modern period, when French terms were commonly adopted into English literary and artistic vocabulary. The plural form "remarques" is retained from French, reflecting the original usage in the book trade and art world. These marginal sketches or notations served both an aesthetic and practical purpose, highlighting the care and uniqueness of a printed work. Their presence can significantly increase a book's value or interest to collectors. Though the root idea of "remarking" or "marking again" is straightforward, the cultural journey of the word into English specialized terminology shows how a simple concept of noticing or noting evolved into a technical term linked to the art of printing and bookmaking. The term entered English likely in the 17th or 18th century, when the printing industry and book collecting practices flourished, especially among bibliophiles who prized such artistic flourishes. Thus, this noun encapsulates a transition from everyday observation to a refined artistic practice, preserved in book history and the language of rare editions.

Synonyms: comments, notes, annotations, observations, remarks