Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of error
"The program crashed because it encountered multiple syntax errors during compilation."
In plain English: Errors are small mistakes that happen when you do something wrong or make a mistake.
"The spreadsheet contained several calculation errors that needed to be fixed before the report was finalized."
Usage: Use errors to refer to mistakes or faults made during actions, calculations, or processes. This term is appropriate when describing unintended deviations from what is correct or expected.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of error
"He errors on the side of caution when making financial decisions."
In plain English: To make mistakes while doing something.
"The computer errors the calculation and displays a warning message."
Usage: The word "error" functions only as a noun or an intransitive verb meaning to make a mistake; it cannot be used transitively to mean "to cause someone else to err." Instead of saying "He errors me," use the correct construction "He causes me to err" or simply "I erred."
Errors derives from the Latin error, meaning a wandering or deviation, which entered English via Old French to describe mistakes or inaccuracies. The root implies going astray from a correct path rather than simply failing.