Err meaning

ĕr, ûr

Words form:

Frequency:

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

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

verb

To deviate from the established moral code; do wrong.

verb

(obs.) To go astray; wander.

verb

(intransitive) To make a mistake.

He erred in his calculations, and made many mistakes.

verb

(archaic) To stray.

verb

To make an error or misjudgment.

I erred in turning onto the dead-end street.

verb

To commit an act that is wrong; do wrong.

verb

(archaic) To stray.

verb

To be wrong or mistaken; fall into error.

verb

(intransitive) To sin.

verb

(law) Abbreviation of errors.

noun

Origin of err

Middle English erren from Old French errer from Latin errāre to wander ers- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Middle English erren, from Old French errer (“to wander, err, mistake”), from Latin errō (“wander, stray, err, mistake”, verb), from Proto-Indo-European *ares- (“to be angry, lose one's temper”). Cognate with Old English eorre, ierre (“anger, wrath, ire”), Old English iersian (“to be angry with, rage, irritate, provoke”), Old English ierre (“wandering, gone astray, confused”).

From Wiktionary