What does "sic" mean?
Initialism of second-in-command.
Sic
/sɪk/ adv, noun, verb
adv, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Initialism of second-in-command.
- Grammar: sic is listed as adv, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: abet, accurately, agitate, aid.
- Useful contrasts: approximately, hence, loosely.
- Usage evidence: If you trespass on his property, he'll sic his dogs on you.
How to use "sic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sic" is acting as adv, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abet" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Initialism of second-in-command. abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
- 2 Initialism of School Improvement Council. abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
Verb
- 1 To mark with a bracketed sic.
"The fact is, of course, that the modern reviewer’s taste is not really shocked by half the things he sics or otherwise castigates, but he must find something to say and above all make a slow of purism."
- 2 To incite an attack by, especially a dog or dogs. transitive
"He sicced his dog on me!"
- 3 urge to attack someone wordnet
- 4 To set upon; to chase; to attack. transitive
"Sic ’em, Mitzi."
Adverb
- 1 Thus; as written; used to indicate, for example, that text is being quoted as it is from the source. not-comparable
"When it is all over they merge and go in a body to visit [...] the Telegraph Office – with plausible expressions of regret and excuses for the mob ‘which’ they say ‘is deplorably ignorant and will not be restrained when its feelings are strongly moved’ – sic, the fact being that the mob’s feelings will never be ‘moved’ unless it is by one of them."
- 2 Used in the manner of scare quotes broadly, not-comparable
"In the past few months, we in Upstate N.Y. have been subjected to fire bombings, firings, verbal and physical harassment, etc. The list goes on and on. These (sic) Christians are calling for a million marchers and may very well get that many."
Adverb
- 1 intentionally so written (used after a printed word or phrase) wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"If you trespass on his property, he'll sic his dogs on you."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sic"?
Common synonyms include: abet, accurately, agitate, aid, catalyze, correctly.
How do you use "sic" in a sentence?
If you trespass on his property, he'll sic his dogs on you.
How do you pronounce "sic"?
Pronounced /sɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Learned borrowing from Latin sīc (“thus, so”).
Etymology 2
Variant of seek.