error
ER-er
/ˈɛrər/
A mistake; a deviation from accuracy or correctness.
A general term for a mistake, miscalculation, or incorrect action. In computing, it can refer to a user's mistake, a software issue, or an unexpected condition that prevents a program from executing correctly.
The story behind the word. The word 'error' comes from the Latin 'errare', meaning 'to wander' or 'to stray'. This root perfectly captures the essence of an error: a deviation from the correct path or expected outcome. In ancient times, it might have referred to a traveler losing their way; today, it describes a program straying from its intended execution or a calculation wandering off the mark.
Word relationships
- mistake: Often interchangeable; 'error' can sound slightly more formal or technical.
- fault: Can be used interchangeably, but 'fault' can also imply blame.
- blunder: A more serious or embarrassing mistake.
- accuracy: The quality or state of being correct or precise.
- correctness: The state of being free from error.
Commonly confused with
- bug: An 'error' is a general term for a mistake or incorrect outcome. A 'bug' is a specific type of error caused by a flaw in software code.
- defect: An 'error' is an action or outcome that is wrong. A 'defect' is an inherent flaw or imperfection in an object or system.
Word family
- erroneous (adjective): wrong; incorrect
- err (verb): to make a mistake
Collocations
- human error
- coding error
- system error
- fatal error
- error message
- make an error
Idioms & expressions
- trial and error: a process of experimenting with various methods until one finds the best.
Example sentences
- "He made a critical error in his calculations, leading to an incorrect final result." A general mistake.
- "The system displayed an 'Error 404: Page Not Found' message, indicating the web page no longer existed." A computer message.
- "A simple coding error caused the entire application to crash when users tried to log in." A programming mistake.
Memory hook
An 'ERROR' means you 'ERR' (make a mistake) and are no longer on the right path. ERROR = err from the path
When not to use
While 'error' is broad, for specific software flaws, 'bug' might be more precise. For minor visual hiccups, 'glitch' is better.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'to err is human' (from Alexander Pope's 'An Essay on Criticism') highlights the inevitability of human mistakes.
- In some programming languages, an 'error' is a specific type of problem that prevents a program from continuing, distinct from a 'warning'.
Explore more words
deviation, make a mistake, Debug, anomaly, misinformation, discrepancy
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.