Meaning & Definition of word "Error"

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    Error

    /ˈɛrər/

    noun:

    • 1. A mistake or inaccuracy, typically in a calculation or process.
      • Example: The accountant discovered an error in the financial report that needed correction.
    • 2. A deviation from accuracy or correctness.
      • Example: He admitted that there was an error in his calculations that affected the results.
    • 3. An action that is incorrect or misguided.
      • Example: She realized that her decision to invest without researching was a significant error.
    • 4. In computer science, an error is a condition that causes a program to produce an incorrect result or to terminate unexpectedly.
      • Example: The software crashed due to a critical error in its code.

    Etymology

    From Middle English *eror*, from Old French *erreur*, from Latin *error*, meaning 'a wandering, a deviation'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    error of judgment:

    A mistake made in assessing a situation.

    trial and error:

    A method of learning through experimentation and mistakes.

    human error:

    A mistake made by a person, often contrasted with machine error.

    Related Words

    mistake:

    An act or judgment that is misguided or wrong.

    fault:

    An error, defect, or imperfection.

    blunder:

    A serious mistake usually caused by ignorance or confusion.

    Slang Meanings of error

    Meaning: Epic fail

    Example Sentence: His attempt to cook dinner was an epic fail—burnt and inedible.

    Meaning: Fumble

    Example Sentence: I totally fumbled that question during the test.