err — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To make a mistake.

   Usage

   • Formal
   • Intransitive

   Examples

   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.

   More examples (1)

   Gorbachev’s phrase, “fear to err,” is strikingly reminiscent of President Roosevelt’s phrase, “nothing to fear but fear itself.”

2. To sin.

   Usage

   • Intransitive

   Examples

   To err is human, to forgive, divine.

3. to stray.

   Usage

   • Archaic

Interjection

1. Elongated form of er (“sound of hesitation”).

   Examples

   Err... what did you just say?

Verb

1. to make a mistake or be incorrect

   Synonyms

   mistakeslip

   Broader terms

   actmove

2. wander from a direct course or at random

   Synonyms

   straydrift

   Broader terms

   travelgomovelocomote

   Examples

   The child strayed from the path and her parents lost sight of her

   don't drift from the set course