Sic Meaning and Definition
Sic
Pronunciation
/sɪk/
Part of Speech
Affix
Definition
A typographical notation used to indicate that the preceding or following word is written as it appears in the original text, often used to distinguish an error or non-standard spelling from the corrected or standardized spelling.
Etymology
The word “sic” comes from the Latin phrase “sic transit gloria mundi,” meaning “thus passes the glory of the world.” It was originally used to indicate that a quote was taken from its original source and any errors in spelling or grammar were retained.
Usage Notes
Sic is typically used in academic or literary contexts to provide a direct quote from an original source. It is often used to indicate that the writer is preserving the original spelling, grammar, or punctuation, rather than standardizing it for readability.
Cultural References
Sic has appeared in various cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “sic transit gloria mundi” is often referenced in literary works and films, and the term “sic” is commonly used in scholarly articles and academic writing.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
No idiomatic expressions or phrases include the term “sic”. However, the phrase “sic transit gloria mundi” has become a common idiomatic expression, often used to convey a sense of impermanence or decline.
Related Words or Phrases
Term
Collocations
Collocations include “sic following quote”, “sic in parentheses”, and “sic in footnotes”, which are all used to indicate that the preceding or following word is written as it appears in the original text.
Frequency of Use
The term “sic” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is still commonly used in academic and literary contexts to provide direct quotes from original sources.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “sic” include “sik” and “sick”.