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err

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To err is defined as to make a mistake or to do something wrong.

(verb)

When you add 2+2 and get 5, this is an example of a situation where you err.

See err in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to be wrong or mistaken; fall into error
to deviate from the established moral code; do wrong
Obsolete to go astray; wander

Origin: ME erren < OFr errer < L errare, to wander, go astray, err < IE *eras- > race, Ger irren, to err

See err in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb erred, err·ing, errs

To make an error or a mistake.
To violate accepted moral standards; sin.
Archaic To stray.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English erren

Origin: , from Old French errer

Origin: , from Latin errāre, to wander; see ers- in Indo-European roots

Usage Note: The pronunciation (ûr) for the word err is traditional, but the pronunciation (ĕr) has gained ground in recent years, perhaps owing to influence from errant and error, and must now be regarded as an acceptable variant. The Usage Panel was split on the matter: 56 percent preferred (ûr), 34 percent preferred (ĕr), and 10 percent accepted both pronunciations.

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