Stet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stet

[stɛt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

editing term

Stet is a term used in proofreading and editing to indicate that previously marked text should remain unchanged. It is used to reverse a correction or deletion, signaling that the original text should be kept. The term comes from the Latin word 'stet,' which means 'let it stand.'

Synonyms

keep as is, let it stand.

Examples of usage

  • Please stet the last line in the manuscript.
  • The editor decided to stet the phrase after further consideration.
  • When reviewing the changes, I noticed several 'stets' throughout.

Translations

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Origin of 'stet'

The term 'stet' comes from the Latin word 'stet,' meaning 'let it stand.' It has been adopted into English as a technical term primarily used in editing and publishing. The use of 'stet' allows editors and proofreaders to quickly communicate the decision to retain original content, particularly when changes may have been proposed. The term is especially prevalent in the fields of publishing, journalism, and academic writing, where precision in text is crucial. The concept emphasizes the collaborative nature of editing, where different iterations of a text are assessed, leading to the final version. It distinguishes between changes that are temporary versus those that are to be adopted permanently.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,599, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.