err

[ er, ur ]

verb (used without object)

1. to go astray in thought or belief; be mistaken; be incorrect.
2. to go astray morally; sin:

   To err is human.

   Synonyms: lapse, transgress

3. Archaic. to deviate from the true course, aim, or purpose.

err

/ ɜː /

verb

1. to make a mistake; be incorrect
2. to stray from the right course or accepted standards; sin
3. to act with bias, esp favourable bias

   to err on the side of justice

Other Words From

• err·a·bil·i·ty [er-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee, ur-] noun
• err·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of err¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English erren, from Old French errer, from Latin errāre “to make a mistake; wander”; akin to Gothic airzjan, Old High German irrôn ( German irren )

Word History and Origins

Origin of err¹

C14: erren to wander, stray, from Old French errer, from Latin errāre

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. err on the side of caution. err on the side of caution.

Example Sentences

From there, the Yankees handed the Dodgers a golden chance, erring defensively all around the diamond.

From Los Angeles Times

The other two said they would likely reinstate the voter after the registration deadline only if the county had erred in some way.

From Salon

But critics have said the Pope erred too much on the side of showing “mercy” to such priests.

From BBC

Awards shows are platforms performers use to acknowledge whatever political or social strife is souring life outside the Hollywood bubble, although on the surface, their producers try to err on the side of non-partisanship.

From Salon

The appeals court ruled that the trial judge also erred in ruling that prosecutors could cross-examine Weinstein about uncharged and decades-old allegations if he decided to testify.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• misbehave
• miscalculate
• stray
• stumble