err

(ûr, ĕr)

intransitive verb erred, err·ing, errs

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

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.