In editing, “stet” is a proofreading term that means “let it stand.” It tells the editor or typesetter to ignore a previous correction and keep the original text as it was.
If you’ve ever reviewed a draft with tracked changes or seen mysterious marks in the margin of a manuscript, you may have come across the word “stet.” It’s short, simple, and easy to miss but in the world of editing and publishing, it carries serious authority.
Writers, editors, proofreaders, and publishers rely on stet to prevent accidental changes and preserve original wording. Whether you’re editing a blog post, revising a novel, or reviewing academic writing, understanding what stet means in editing can save confusion and sometimes even embarrassment.
In this guide, we’ll explore the definition, origin, professional usage, examples, tone considerations, and comparisons with similar editing terms so you can use stet confidently and correctly.
Literal Meaning of “Stet”
The word “stet” comes from Latin and literally means:
“Let it stand.”
In editing, it instructs:
- Keep the original text.
- Cancel a previous correction.
- Ignore a suggested change.
Simple Example
Original sentence:
She walked quickly to the store.
An editor changes it to:
She walked rapidly to the store.
The author prefers “quickly.” They write stet in the margin.
Final result:
She walked quickly to the store.
Origin and History of “Stet”
- Derived from Latin stet, meaning “let it stand.”
- Used for centuries in publishing and printing.
- Common in traditional handwritten proofreading marks.
Before digital editing tools, printers relied heavily on standardized proofreader symbols. “Stet” was written in the margin and often dotted under the text to show that the deletion or correction should be ignored.
Even today, in professional publishing, stet remains a standard editorial instruction.
How “Stet” Is Used in Editing
1. In Traditional Proofreading
Editors would:
- Cross out text.
- Then realize the deletion was incorrect.
- Write stet in the margin.
- Place dots under the text that should remain.
Example markup:
Incorrect word
stet
This means: ignore the strike-through.
2. In Digital Editing
In Microsoft Word or Google Docs:
- An editor deletes or modifies text.
- The writer rejects the change.
- They may comment: “Stet.”
Modern equivalent actions:
- Click “Reject Change”
- Add a comment: “Stet original wording.”
3. In Publishing and Journalism
In newspapers and academic journals, “stet” ensures:
- Legal names remain accurate.
- Brand spellings stay consistent.
- Author voice is preserved.
Tone: Professional and precise.
Examples of “Stet” in Context
Here’s a helpful table showing how it works:
| Scenario | Edited Version | Instruction | Final Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word replacement | “Rapidly” instead of “Quickly” | Stet | “Quickly” remains |
| Grammar change | “Their” corrected to “There” | Stet | Original word kept |
| Style adjustment | Sentence shortened | Stet | Full sentence restored |
| Punctuation removal | Comma deleted | Stet | Comma stays |
Tone and Professional Use
Unlike casual words like “oops” or “undo,” stet is formal and editorial.
Professional Tone
- Used in publishing
- Used in academic editing
- Used in journalism
Neutral Tone
- Used in business writing revisions
- Used in legal documents
💡 Tip: Outside of editing contexts, most people won’t recognize the term.
Comparison With Related Editing Terms
Understanding “stet” becomes clearer when compared with similar editing instructions.
| Term | Meaning | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Stet | Let it stand | Cancel a correction |
| Delete (Del) | Remove text | Remove permanently |
| Insert (Ins) | Add text | Add new material |
| Transpose (Tr) | Switch order | Reverse word placement |
| Query (Qy) | Ask a question | Clarify meaning |
Key Difference:
- Delete removes text permanently.
- Stet restores text that was marked for deletion.
When Should You Use “Stet”?
You should use stet when:
- A correction changes meaning incorrectly.
- An editor misunderstands tone.
- A stylistic choice was intentional.
- Legal or technical wording must remain exact.
Example:
The CEO’s title was intentionally lowercase for branding.
Editor capitalizes it.
Author writes: Stet – brand style guide requires lowercase.
Common Mistakes About “Stet”
❌ Mistake 1: Using It in Casual Conversation
“Stet” is not commonly used outside editing.
❌ Mistake 2: Confusing It With “Set”
They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
❌ Mistake 3: Overusing It
Constantly writing “stet” without explanation can frustrate editors.
✔️ Best Practice: If rejecting a change, briefly explain why.
Modern Alternatives to “Stet”
In digital workflows, instead of writing “stet,” you might:
- Reject tracked changes
- Leave a comment: “Keep original.”
- Write: “Revert to previous wording.”
- Say: “Restore original version.”
However, in professional editing circles, “stet” remains the concise, traditional term.
FAQs
- What does stet mean in proofreading?
It means “let it stand” keep the original text. - Is stet still used today?
Yes, especially in publishing and formal editing. - Is stet Latin?
Yes, it comes from Latin. - How do you mark stet in proofreading?
Write “stet” in the margin and place dots under the text to be retained. - Can I use stet in emails?
Only in editing contexts; otherwise, it may confuse readers. - What is the opposite of stet?
Delete or remove. - Do writers use stet or editors?
Both may use it during revisions. - Is stet formal or informal?
It is a formal editorial term.
Conclusion
In editing, “stet” is a powerful yet simple instruction that means “let it stand.” It tells editors and publishers to ignore a correction and preserve the original wording. Rooted in Latin and long used in traditional proofreading, stet remains relevant in both print and digital publishing today.
Understanding how and when to use stet ensures clarity, protects author intent, and maintains professional editing standards. Whether you’re reviewing tracked changes or marking up a manuscript by hand, knowing this small but mighty word can make your revision process smoother and more precise.
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Jessica Brown is a language-focused writer who creates well-researched articles on word meanings, abbreviations, and everyday expressions. She contributes to meanvoro.com, delivering simple, reliable, and reader-friendly content designed to make complex terms easy to understand.
