What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
headnote
Example
The headnote at the beginning of the legal case provided a brief summary of the facts and issues. [headnote: noun]
Example
The article began with a headnote that explained the historical context of the topic. [headnote: noun]
Example
The headnote for this section should be 'Introduction to the Topic.' [headnote: noun]
abstract
Example
The abstract of the research paper provided a concise summary of the study's methodology and findings. [abstract: noun]
Example
The book's abstract on the back cover gave a brief overview of the plot and characters. [abstract: noun]
Example
The speaker's abstract at the beginning of the presentation outlined the main points that would be covered. [abstract: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abstract is more commonly used than headnote in academic and research contexts. Headnote is more specific to legal and literary contexts and may not be as widely recognized outside of those fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between headnote and abstract?
Abstract is generally considered more formal than headnote, as it is commonly used in academic and research writing. Headnote may be used in more informal contexts, such as online articles or blog posts.
