err

Definition

To make a mistake.

Etymology

From Middle English erren, from Old French errer (“to wander, err, mistake”), from Latin errō (“wander, stray, err, mistake”, verb), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁ers- (“to be angry, lose one's temper”). Cognate with Old English eorre, ierre (“anger, wrath, ire”), Old English iersian (“to be angry with, rage, irritate, provoke”), Old English ierre (“wandering, gone astray, confused”).

Example Sentences

• "He erred in his calculations, and made many mistakes."
• "Artificial tests, then, can hardly err on the side of supplying too many opportunities for one bird to see another perform the act which is the model."
• "To err is human, to forgive, divine."