Märgised

Märgised are Estonian plural nouns meaning notations, markings, or annotations attached to a text, object, or dataset. The base word is märgis, meaning a sign, symbol, mark, or label, with the plural suffix -ed to form märgised. The term is used across several domains to describe additional information or signs added to a source or item.

In publishing and editing, märgised refer to editor’s notes, proofreading marks, or other annotations that indicate changes, clarifications, or instructions for revision. In archival and bibliographic work, märgised describe metadata or descriptive notes attached to records, such as provenance, condition notes, or access restrictions. In cartography and technical diagrams, märgised denote symbols, legends, or labels that convey information about features on a map or diagram. In archaeology and related fields, märgised can refer to inscriptions or meaningful markings found on artifacts.

The term is widely used in standard Estonian dictionaries and technical writing, where precise terminology helps distinguish between different kinds of supplementary information. Depending on context, märgised can be translated into English as annotations, notes, or markings. The word’s exact sense is determined by the domain—editorial, archival, cartographic, or archaeological—so translators and readers choose the most appropriate equivalent in each case. Related forms include märgis (sign or symbol) and märgistus (notation or inscription) in Estonian.