subedit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, professional
Quick answer
What does “subedit” mean?
To check and correct text for publication, especially for a newspaper or magazine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To check and correct text for publication, especially for a newspaper or magazine.
The process of preparing text for print or digital publication by correcting errors, improving clarity, checking facts, and ensuring adherence to style guidelines. This is typically done after an initial edit and before final publication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Subedit' is the standard term in British English for the detailed checking and correction of text. In American English, the term 'copyedit' is far more common for this specific task.
Connotations
In BrE, it carries a neutral, professional connotation within publishing. In AmE, its use might sound slightly British or old-fashioned; 'copyedit' is the expected term.
Frequency
High frequency in UK publishing/journalism. Low frequency in US publishing/journalism, where 'copyedit' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “subedit” in a Sentence
[NP] subedits [NP][NP] is subedited by [NP][NP] for [NP] (e.g., subedit for The Guardian)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subedit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She was hired to subedit the weekly opinion column.
- All feature articles must be subedited by the chief sub before going to layout.
- I spent the afternoon subediting a long report on climate policy.
American English
- The manuscript was professionally copyedited before submission. (Note: 'subedited' would sound unusual.)
- Her first job at the paper was to copyedit the local news section.
adjective
British English
- The subediting process caught several factual inaccuracies.
- He applied for a subediting role at the publishing house.
American English
- The copyediting phase is essential for clarity. (Note: 'subediting' would be understood but is non-standard.)
- She took a copyediting course to improve her skills.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in media/publishing businesses to describe a specific production role.
Academic
Rare; used when discussing publishing processes.
Everyday
Very rare outside publishing/journalism professions.
Technical
Core term in publishing and journalism, referring to a specific stage in the editorial process.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subedit”
- Using 'subedit' to mean 'edit slightly'. Using 'subedit' in American English contexts where 'copyedit' is expected. Confusing with 'proofread' (which is typically a final check for typos, whereas subediting/copyediting involves style, clarity, and fact-checking).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Edit' is a broad term for preparing text, which can include major structural changes. 'Subedit' (BrE) / 'copyedit' (AmE) is a later, more technical stage focusing on grammar, style, consistency, and factual accuracy.
It is understood but very rarely used. 'Copyedit' is the standard and expected term in American publishing and journalism.
Yes, though less common. The noun form is 'subeditor' (the person) or 'subediting' (the activity). 'The subedit was thorough' is possible but 'the subediting was thorough' is more natural.
In a UK newsroom, this is the head of the subediting team, responsible for the final quality and consistency of all text and often for writing headlines and captions.
To check and correct text for publication, especially for a newspaper or magazine.
Subedit is usually formal, professional in register.
Subedit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈed.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌed.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUBmarine EDITor: working below the surface (after the main edit) to make the final checks before launch/publication.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A PRODUCT; subediting is the final quality control check on the assembly line before the product is shipped.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the most direct American English equivalent of the British 'subedit'?