Sic vs. Sir — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Sic and Sir
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Sic
The Latin adverb sic ("thus", "just as"; in full: sic erat scriptum, "thus was it written") inserted after a quoted word or passage indicates that the quoted matter has been transcribed or translated exactly as found in the source text, complete with any erroneous, archaic, or otherwise nonstandard spelling, punctuation, or grammar. It also applies to any surprising assertion, faulty reasoning, or other matter that might be interpreted as an error of transcription.
Sir
Sir is a formal English honourific address for men, derived from Sire in the High Middle Ages. Traditionally, as governed by law and custom, "Sir" is used for men titled as knights, i.e., of orders of chivalry, and later also applied to baronets and other offices.
Sic
Thus; so. Used to indicate that a quoted passage, especially one containing an error or unconventional spelling, has been retained in its original form or written intentionally.
Sir
Sir Used as an honorific before the given name or the full name of baronets and knights.
Sic
To set upon; attack.
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Sir
Used as a form of polite address for a man
Don't forget your hat, sir.
Sic
To urge or incite to hostile action; set
Sicced the dogs on the intruders.
Sir
Used as a salutation in a letter
Dear Sir or Madam.
Sic
Thus; thus written; used to indicate, for example, that text is being quoted as it is from the source.
Sir
A man of a higher rank or position.
Sic
To mark with a bracketed sic.
Sir
A respectful term of address to a man of higher rank or position, particularly:
Sic
(transitive) To incite an attack by, especially a dog or dogs.
He sicced his dog on me!
Sir
To a knight or other low member of the peerage.
Just be careful. He gets whingy now if you don't address him as Sir John.
Sic
(transitive) To set upon; to chase; to attack.
Sic ’em, Mitzi.
Sir
To a superior military officer.
Sir, yes sir.
Sic
Such.
Sir
To a teacher.
Here's my report, sir.
Sic
Thus.
Sir
A respectful term of address to an adult male (often older), especially if his name or proper title is unknown.
Excuse me, sir, do you know the way to the art museum?
Sic
Urge a dog to attack someone
Sir
To address (someone) using "sir".
Sir, yes, sir!
Don't you sir me, private! I work for a living!
Don't you sir me, private! I work for a living!
Sic
Intentionally so written (used after a printed word or phrase)
Sir
A man of social authority and dignity; a lord; a master; a gentleman; - in this sense usually spelled sire.
He was crowned lord and sire.
In the election of a sir so rare.
Sir
A title prefixed to the Christian name of a knight or a baronet.
Sir Horace Vere, his brother, was the principal in the active part.
Sir
An English rendering of the LAtin Dominus, the academical title of a bachelor of arts; - formerly colloquially, and sometimes contemptuously, applied to the clergy.
Instead of a faithful and painful teacher, they hire a Sir John, which hath better skill in playing at tables, or in keeping of a garden, than in God's word.
Sir
A respectful title, used in addressing a man, without being prefixed to his name; - used especially in speaking to elders or superiors; sometimes, also, used in the way of emphatic formality.
Sir
Term of address for a man
Sir
A title used before the name of knight or baronet
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