Superscript lettering is a type in which characters or symbols are written slightly above a line of text, typically to indicate footnotes. Additionally, this term is sometimes used more generally to refer to any characters written above text, such as mathematical equations.
Superscripted characters, symbols, and numbers are placed slightly above the textual line and typically smaller than its surrounding content.
Superscripts are often used to refer to footnotes or endnotes, usually at the end of sentences or clauses, to link to notes at either page bottoms or document ends for additional information about textual material. A reader can consult these notes for further clarification of text content.
In addition, superscripts may also be employed for other purposes. For instance, they can represent mathematical formulae or chemical elements within sentences, appearing midway.
Superscript can refer to the placement of specific text on a page; for instance, chapter titles often appear at the top of their first pages, printed with an exclamation mark in the font.
Superscripts can serve several functions in business and academic writing. One common application of this lettering is to indicate footnotes or endnotes; when used this way, its symbol should typically follow any punctuation mark, such as periods.
Superscripts play an integral part in letters by signaling when letters are used as references or abbreviations, distinguishing between various parts of letters such as dates or salutations addresses, and acting as decorative features.