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Sic

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means used in a quotation to show that an error is in the original

Where does the word "sic" come from? It comes from Latin sīc, adopted directly into English (1850s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
sīc
Latin · ancient
"thus"
'thus, so'
2
Stage 2 of 2
sic
English · 1850s
"thus (in the original)"
inserted in square brackets by editors and journalists
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Sic’s story begins in Latin: sīc meant “thus.” 'thus, so'. It reached English by 1850s as sic. Inserted in square brackets by editors and journalists. Today, sic means used in a quotation to show that an error is in the original.