sic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (adverb), Informal (verb).
Quick answer
What does “sic” mean?
An adverb used within square brackets in a written quotation to indicate that an error or unusual spelling is original to the source and has not been introduced by the person transcribing the text.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An adverb used within square brackets in a written quotation to indicate that an error or unusual spelling is original to the source and has not been introduced by the person transcribing the text.
Also used as a verb (to sic [something] on someone), meaning to order or urge a dog or other animal to attack, or to incite someone to attack, criticize, or pursue. In older/Scottish dialect, it can function as an adjective or verb meaning 'such' or 'to seek'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the use of the adverb. The spelling of the verb is sometimes 'sick' in British English, though 'sic' is also standard. The imperative 'Sic 'em!' (to a dog) is common in both.
Connotations
The adverb is purely technical. The verb, when used for ordering an attack, can have a violent, aggressive, or rural connotation.
Frequency
The adverb is relatively low-frequency but stable in academic/journalistic writing. The verb is more common in informal American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sic” in a Sentence
SIC [on] (Verb: to sic the dogs on the intruder)[quotation with error] [sic] (Adverb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer sicked his collie on the sheep to herd them.
- The newspaper was sicced onto the story by a tip-off.
American English
- He sicced his attorney on the contractor for breach of agreement.
- 'Sic 'em, boy!' the trainer yelled to the guard dog.
adverb
British English
- The memo stated the meeting was 'absolutly [sic] necessary'.
- The manuscript read: 'To bee [sic] or not to bee.'
American English
- The tweet contained the phrase 'their [sic] going to win'.
- The sign was painted with 'No Tresspassing [sic]'.
adjective
British English
- (Archaic/Dialect) He was a man of sic great honour.
American English
- (Rare/Archaic) They had never seen sic a sight.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in formal reports quoting sources with errors.
Academic
Very common in citations, footnotes, and critical editions to maintain textual integrity.
Everyday
Rare. The verb 'sic' might be heard in commands to dogs or figuratively ('He sicced the lawyers on them').
Technical
Standard in publishing, journalism, law, and philology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sic”
- Writing 'sic' without brackets, e.g., 'He said it was alot sic.' (Incorrect) vs. 'He said it was alot [sic].' (Correct).
- Using 'sic' to express personal sarcasm or commentary rather than to mark a genuine error.
- Pronouncing '[sic]' when reading a text aloud.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The notation '[sic]' is for written text only. When reading aloud, you simply read the quoted text as it is, including the error, without verbalizing 'sic'.
While technically it marks an error, using 'sic' excessively or sarcastically is considered poor form and unprofessional. Its standard use is neutral and documentary, not evaluative.
No, they are homographs (spelled the same) with different etymologies. The adverb is Latin for 'thus'. The verb is a variant of 'seek', from Middle English 'siken'.
Typically, no. It is usually presented in the same font (often Roman) as the main text, within square brackets: [sic]. Some style guides may recommend italics, so always check the specific guidelines you are following.
An adverb used within square brackets in a written quotation to indicate that an error or unusual spelling is original to the source and has not been introduced by the person transcribing the text.
Sic is usually formal (adverb), informal (verb). in register.
Sic: in British English it is pronounced /sɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sic 'em!”
- “Sic transit gloria mundi (Thus passes the glory of the world)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SICK (sic) puppy in a quote – you're pointing out it was born that way in the original, you didn't make it sick.
Conceptual Metaphor
A textual 'red flag' or 'preservation tag'; a command to attack (verb) framed as releasing a force.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of using '[sic]' in a written text?