Factsheet
- Word Type: Noun (Plural)
- Pronunciation:
- British English: /ˌnəʊtəˈbɪlɪə/
- U.S. English: /ˌnoʊtəˈbɪliə/
- Rhyming Words: trivia, copia, anemia
- Field: General English, Academic Writing
- First Known Use: 1811
Etymology
The word notabilia originates from Latin:
- Notabilis: Meaning “notable” or “worthy of note.”
- -ia: A plural suffix in Latin, indicating a collection of notable or remarkable things.
In English, notabilia refers to a collection or list of noteworthy items, events, or features.
Meaning & Use
Definition
Notabilia refers to:
- Notable Things: Items, facts, or features that are significant, remarkable, or worthy of notice.
- Highlights: Often used in academic, historical, or literary contexts to point out the most important aspects of a subject.
Quotations in Context
- 1811:
“In pointing out, to a new Reader of the Gospels, the peculiar notabilia of each, I am sure that I myself could not have passed it by.”
— C. Dunster, Points at Issue - 1849:
“A manufacturing process which the thoughtful mind will not fail to endow with a very high rank in the list of the notabilia of our time and country.”
— Chambers’s Edinburgh Journal - 1932:
“By his presentation of neglected notabilia, Mr. Gwathmey has brought out from the storeroom the bust of a really great American and placed it..in a niche where it will be more appreciated.”
— American Literature - 1993:
“A list of some notabilia of contemporary philosophy which display a certain logical or linguistic tinge would surely comprise linguistic analysis.”
— Philosophical Quarterly
Pronunciation
- Phonetic:
- British: /ˌnəʊtəˈbɪlɪə/
- American: /ˌnoʊtəˈbɪliə/
- Rhyming Words: trivia, copia, anemia
The stress falls on the second syllable (-tə), with a lilting final -ia sound.
Examples in Everyday Use
- Historical Context:
- “The museum’s exhibit features the notabilia of the Victorian era, including tools, clothing, and inventions.”
- Academic Writing:
- “This study highlights the notabilia of climate change research over the last decade.”
- Literary Analysis:
- “The critic’s essay focuses on the notabilia of the author’s works, particularly themes of morality and justice.”
- Personal Use:
- “Her travel journal contained the notabilia of her European trip: sketches, ticket stubs, and descriptions of landmarks.”
Synonyms
- Highlights
- Key points
- Noteworthy features
- Landmarks
- Essentials
Cultural and Academic Relevance
- Historical and Literary Contexts: Often used to describe collections of significant details or aspects in texts, architecture, or historical records.
- Modern Usage: While less common in casual speech, notabilia finds relevance in formal, academic, or descriptive writing.
- Intellectual Tone: Its Latin origin gives it an air of sophistication and precision, making it a favored term in scholarly circles.
Conclusion
Notabilia is a refined term for collections of noteworthy or remarkable items, often used in academic and literary contexts. Its historical origins and continued use reflect the enduring need to highlight and preserve what is most significant in any field of study or area of interest. Whether detailing historical milestones or personal highlights, notabilia encapsulates the essence of what is worth remembering.
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