Sic vs. Sick: What's the Difference?
The word sic is typically used in writing to indicate that a preceding quoted word or passage is transcribed exactly as found in the original source, complete with any errors or unconventional spellings. It is often enclosed in square brackets or parentheses. Conversely, the word sick is an adjective used to describe someone who is ill or not in good health. Sick can also be used informally to express disgust or to refer to something as exceptionally good or cool, depending on the context.
How do you use the word sic in a sentence?
The word sic is used after a quote to indicate that the original text has been preserved exactly as it was found, even if there are errors or unusual spellings. It emphasizes that any unusual or incorrect aspects of the quote are not the result of a transcription error. Writers or editors usually place sic in brackets or parentheses to distinguish it from the rest of the text.
Examples of sic in a sentence
- The sign read 'Apple's for sale' [sic], with the unnecessary apostrophe.
- His original statement was, 'I cannot except [sic] this outcome,' where 'except' should have been 'accept.'
- The graffiti on the wall proclaimed, 'Long live the queeen [sic]!'
How do you use the word sick in a sentence?
The word sick is commonly used to refer to feeling unwell or to illnesses that are not necessarily chronic or serious. It's applicable in informal settings and situations while also being appropriate for general statements about health. Sick is versatile and can discuss both physical and emotional states.
Examples of sick in a sentence
- She called in sick after waking up with a sore throat and fever.
- He's been home all week because the kids are sick with the flu.
- My cat is sick, and I need to take her to the vet today.
Sic and sick definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Sic definition:
Sic is an adverb used in brackets after a copied or quoted word that appears odd or erroneous to show that the word is quoted exactly as it stands in the original source.
Sic parts of speech:
Sic pronunciation:
Sic is pronounced as /sɪk/, rhyming with 'tick' and 'click.'
Sick definition:
Sick is an adjective that means affected by physical or mental illness. In informal contexts, it can also mean feeling disgusted or demonstrate the quality of being exceptional or awesome.
Sick parts of speech:
Sick pronunciation:
Sick is pronounced as /sɪk/, identical to 'sic.'
Sic is an adverb used in brackets after a copied or quoted word that appears odd or erroneous to show that the word is quoted exactly as it stands in the original source.
Sic parts of speech:
- As an adverb: The statement read, 'He is the bestest [sic] player on the team,' emphasizing the error.
Sic pronunciation:
Sic is pronounced as /sɪk/, rhyming with 'tick' and 'click.'
Sick definition:
Sick is an adjective that means affected by physical or mental illness. In informal contexts, it can also mean feeling disgusted or demonstrate the quality of being exceptional or awesome.
Sick parts of speech:
- As an adjective: She felt too sick to attend the meeting today.
- As a slang adjective: The crowd cheered at his sick moves on the dance floor.
Sick pronunciation:
Sick is pronounced as /sɪk/, identical to 'sic.'
Sic vs. sick in a nutshell
While both sic and sick are pronounced the same, they are used in distinctly different contexts. Sic functions as an adverb within written material to indicate an exact transcription of text, regardless of errors. It alerts the reader to an anomaly without altering the original quotation. In contrast, sick is primarily an adjective denoting poor health or illness, with secondary slang meanings ranging from disgust to high praise. Understanding the context and usage of these terms is vital to effective communication.
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