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.

Related Words

• misbehave
• miscalculate
• stray
• stumble