editorial
B2Formal, Journalistic, Academic
Definition
Meaning
A newspaper or magazine article that gives the opinions of the editors or publishers on a particular issue.
Relating to the preparation of text, film, or other material for publication or broadcasting; also, the department or staff within a media organization responsible for such preparation. Can refer to the overall direction, policy, or opinion of a publication.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun but functions attributively as an adjective. The adjectival sense ('editorial content', 'editorial decision') is extremely common. Do not confuse with 'edition' (a version or issue).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'editorial' (opinion article) is common in both, though 'leader' or 'leading article' is a dated British synonym. The adjective is identical in use.
Connotations
In both, implies authority and institutional opinion when a noun. As an adjective, denotes a separation from commercial/advertising functions.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English media discourse, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
write/publish/run an editorial on [topic]The [newspaper] took an editorial stance against [policy]under [someone's] editorial directionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “editorial leash”
- “have editorial control”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to non-advertising content; 'editorial calendar' for planning content.
Academic
Pertaining to the editing of journals; 'editorial process' for peer review.
Everyday
Used when discussing media opinions; 'Did you read the editorial about the election?'
Technical
In publishing/software, 'editorial tools' or 'editorial workflow' for content management.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The paper will editorialise on the budget next week.
American English
- The paper will editorialize on the budget next week.
adjective
British English
- The editorial team worked late to meet the deadline.
- She has full editorial control over the project.
American English
- The editorial team worked late to meet the deadline.
- She has full editorial control over the project.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The newspaper published an editorial about the new park.
- He works in the editorial department.
- The editorial criticised the government's handling of the crisis.
- There was a clear separation between editorial and advertising interests.
- The journal's editorial board upheld the stringent peer-review standards.
- Her scathing editorial on corporate tax evasion sparked a national debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EDITOR-ial. It's either an article BY the editor, or something RELATED TO editing.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEWSPAPER AS A PERSON (The paper 'speaks' its mind through the editorial).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите 'editorial' как 'редакционный' в значении 'офисный' (это 'office supplies'). 'Editorial' — это либо 'передовая статья', либо 'редакторский/связанный с редактированием'.
- Избегайте кальки 'редакционная статья' — просто 'передовая статья' или 'колонка редактора'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'editorial' to mean 'edition' (e.g., 'the latest editorial of the magazine').
- Spelling: 'editoryal', 'editoral'.
- Confusing 'editorial' (opinion) with 'op-ed' (opposite the editorial page, often by outside writers).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'editorial' used as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used for magazines, journals, broadcasting, and online media for both the opinion article and the content preparation functions.
An 'editorial' represents the official view of the publication's editorial board. An 'op-ed' (opposite the editorial page) is usually by an outside contributor expressing a personal view.
Not directly. The verb is 'to editorialize' (US) / 'editorialise' (UK), meaning to express an opinion in the manner of an editorial.
It refers to the freedom of editors to make content decisions without interference from owners, advertisers, or governments.
Collections
Part of a collection
Media Analysis
B2 · 49 words · Critically analyzing media and information.