editor
B1Formal, Neutral, Technical (in computing context)
Definition
Meaning
a person who prepares, corrects, and arranges text, audio, or video material for publication or broadcast.
1) A person who is in charge of a newspaper, magazine, or section of it. 2) A computer program used for creating or modifying text files, code, or digital media. 3) A person who selects and assembles footage for a film or TV programme.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Profession vs. tool. As a profession, it implies authority and decision-making (e.g., editor-in-chief). As a tool, it is generic (text editor, photo editor).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'theatre editor' (UK) vs. 'theater editor' (US). In broadcasting, 'film editor' is common in both, but 'video editor' is more frequent in modern US contexts.
Connotations
In UK academic publishing, 'editor' of a volume often implies a more curatorial role. In US journalism, 'editor' can carry stronger managerial connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US media due to the prominence of the tech industry (e.g., 'code editor').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
editor of [publication]editor for [department/company]editor at [organisation]editor with [experience]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run it by the editor”
- “editor's ear/eye (for detail)”
- “kill your darlings (editorial advice)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The managing editor oversees the budget and schedule.
Academic
She is the editor of a prestigious journal on linguistics.
Everyday
I sent my article to the editor for feedback.
Technical
He opened the source code in a new text editor.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They will editor the documentary series.
- She used to editor the science section.
American English
- He'll editor the manuscript next week.
- Can you editor this video clip?
adverb
British English
- The piece was edited editorially for style.
- She reviewed it editorially.
American English
- The column was written editorially.
- He commented editorially on the draft.
adjective
British English
- The editorial team met.
- She has strong editorial judgement.
American English
- He made an editorial decision.
- The editorial process is lengthy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is the editor of our school magazine.
- Use a simple text editor for your homework.
- The editor asked me to rewrite the introduction.
- My favourite photo editor is on my phone.
- After years as a reporter, she was promoted to political editor.
- The film's editor skillfully cut the scenes to build tension.
- The volume's editor commissioned essays from leading scholars, synthesizing them with a provocative commentary.
- As a kernel-level code editor, it allows for granular manipulation of the system's core functions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EDIT-or. The person who EDITS your work OR the tool you use to EDIT.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEKEEPER (controls what gets published); A SCULPTOR (shapes raw material); A FILTER (removes impurities).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'издатель' (publisher). 'Editor' is 'редактор'.
- In computing, 'text editor' is not 'блокнот' (Notepad is a specific brand) but 'текстовый редактор'.
- 'Chief editor' is more common than 'main editor'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'editor' for a person who prints books (printer/publisher).
- Saying 'I am an editor of a newspaper' instead of 'I am an editor at a newspaper' or 'the editor of...'.
- Confusing 'editor' (profession/tool) with 'edition' (version/publication).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'editor' most likely to refer to a software tool?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An editor focuses on overall content, structure, style, and clarity, often making substantive changes. A proofreader focuses on correcting surface errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation in the final draft.
Yes, though it is less common and considered informal or industry-specific (e.g., in journalism or tech: 'I need to editor this video'). The standard verb is 'to edit'.
It can be written as 'copy editor' (two words) or 'copy-editor' (hyphenated). 'Copyeditor' as one word is less common but accepted. The hyphenated form is often preferred in UK style guides.
An editor-at-large is a senior editor with no specific assigned department or section. They have the freedom to work on various projects, often focusing on special features, investigations, or high-profile content.