adv
Uncommon
sic
sihk
Sic (adv) means used in brackets after a quoted word to show it is copied exactly as written, errors included. Example: “The sign read "no dog's [sic] allowed," quoting the original mistake.”
adv
1
Used in brackets after a quoted word to show it is copied exactly as written, errors included.
"The sign read "no dog's [sic] allowed," quoting the original mistake."
"The email said "I recieved [sic] your letter," so we quoted it exactly."
"The review called the hotel "definately [sic] worth visiting" despite the spelling."
verb
1
To urge an animal, especially a dog, to attack.
"She sicced her dog on the intruder."
"He joked that he would sic his dog on anyone who came near."
"The children laughed when Dad pretended to sic the puppy on the postman."
How to use sic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bracketed note meaning "yes, that's really how the original said it" — or, as a verb, to set a dog loose on someone.
Common mistake
Always italicized and placed in square brackets, e.g. "[sic]," when marking a quoted error.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- sics
- Past tense
- sicced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The sign read "no dog's [_____] allowed," quoting the original mistake.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin sic, meaning "thus, so."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “sic” mean?
The word “sic” means used in brackets after a quoted word to show it is copied exactly as written, errors included. In plain terms, a bracketed note meaning "yes, that's really how the original said it" — or, as a verb, to set a dog loose on someone.
How do you pronounce “sic”?
“Sic” is pronounced sihk (/sɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “sic” in a sentence?
Here is “sic” used in a sentence: “She sicced her dog on the intruder.”
What part of speech is “sic”?
Depending on how it is used, “sic” can be an adverb and a verb.
Where does the word “sic” come from?
The word “sic” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin sic, meaning "thus, so.".
Is “sic” a common word?
“Sic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sic” have?
“Sic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used in brackets after a quoted word to show it is copied exactly as written, errors included.
What is the difference between "sic" and "[sic]"?
"Sic" is the word itself, placed inside brackets as "[sic]" directly after a quoted word or phrase to show it is copied exactly as originally written, errors included. The brackets are simply the formatting convention used to insert the word into a quotation.
When should you use "[sic]" in writing?
Use "[sic]" immediately after a quoted error, such as a misspelling or grammatical mistake, to signal that you are quoting accurately rather than making the mistake yourself. It is common in journalism, academic writing, and formal quotations.
Is "sic" only used in writing, or can it be a verb too?
"Sic" has two distinct uses: as an adverb inserted in brackets to mark a quoted error, and as a verb meaning to urge an animal, especially a dog, to attack, as in "sic the dog on him." The two uses are unrelated in meaning.
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