stet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Professional
Quick answer
What does “stet” mean?
A proofreading term (verb) meaning to cancel a correction and let the original text stand. A directive written in the margin of a proof to indicate this.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proofreading term (verb) meaning to cancel a correction and let the original text stand. A directive written in the margin of a proof to indicate this.
By extension, it can refer to the act of reversing a decision or change, or to the proofreader's mark (a series of dots under the text to be retained).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The word and its application in publishing/proofreading are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term. Carries connotations of precision, authority, and the editorial process.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage but equally standard in publishing and editing contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “stet” in a Sentence
[Verb] stet [Noun Phrase][Imperative] stet [that][Noun] a stetVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The copy-editor had crossed it out, but the author wrote 'stet' firmly in the margin.
- I think the original phrasing was more elegant; let's stet that paragraph.
American English
- Stet the comma – the Chicago Manual style allows it in this case.
- The lawyer reviewed the galleys and decided to stet the crucial clause.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused outside of formal document preparation or corporate publishing departments.
Academic
Used in academic publishing, particularly in the proofreading stages of journal articles, theses, and books.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be unknown to most non-specialists.
Technical
Core term in publishing, printing, editing, and proofreading. The primary context of use.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stet”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'keep' outside of proofreading/editing. Pronouncing it /stɪt/ or /stet/ with a long 'e'. Incorrectly conjugating it (e.g., 'he stets', 'stetted') – while possible, the imperative 'stet' is by far the most common form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It is most commonly used as an imperative verb in proofreading. It can be used as a noun ("I put a stet on that edit"), but this is less frequent.
It comes directly from Latin, where 'stet' is the third person singular present subjunctive of 'stāre' (to stand), meaning 'let it stand'. It was adopted into English proofreading jargon in the 19th century.
You write the word 'stet' in the margin next to the line containing the change. Then, you place a series of dots (typically three or more) under the text in the line that you want to remain unchanged.
It is highly specialist. Using it in everyday conversation would likely cause confusion, as most people are unfamiliar with publishing terminology. In general contexts, words like 'keep', 'restore', or 'undo that change' are appropriate.
A proofreading term (verb) meaning to cancel a correction and let the original text stand. A directive written in the margin of a proof to indicate this.
Stet is usually formal, technical, professional in register.
Stet: in British English it is pronounced /stɛt/, and in American English it is pronounced /stɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an editor named STeve who is very stubborn (STubborn STEve). He often says 'STet!' meaning 'Stop Trying to Edit That!' – let it stand as it was.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDITING IS A JOURNEY (with corrections as detours); 'stet' is the command to return to the original path.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is the word 'stet' used most appropriately?