Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈrəʊnɪəs/

Definitions

• Incorrect or mistaken; based on error or falsehood.
• Containing mistakes or inaccuracies.

Usage Examples

• "His interpretation of the data was erroneous and led to a false conclusion."
• "The erroneous information was spread across multiple platforms before it was corrected."

Etymology

The word "erroneous" comes from the Latin "erroneus," meaning "wandering" or "deviating from the truth." It is derived from "errare," meaning "to err" or "to wander." The word entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Incorrect
• Wrong
• Faulty
• Inaccurate
• Mistaken

Antonyms

• Correct
• Accurate
• True
• Right

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the word "erroneous" is pronounced with more emphasis on the second syllable, while in other regions, the first syllable is more stressed. The differences are subtle but can vary between American and British English.

Historical Usage

The term "erroneous" has been in use since the late Middle Ages and was derived from the Latin word "erroneus," used in the same sense of being "wrong" or "false." Its usage in academic, legal, and philosophical texts has been consistent for centuries, denoting errors or false statements.

Cultural Nuances

The term "erroneous" carries a formal tone, often used in legal, academic, or official contexts. It is frequently used to describe errors in reasoning, judgment, or factuality, and in some cultural contexts, it may imply a serious flaw in the argument or information.

More Information

"Erroneous" is a commonly used word in English to describe errors, especially in formal and academic settings. It emphasizes a deviation from correctness or truth and is often employed in contexts requiring precision, such as scientific research, journalism, and law. While the word is still relevant today, simpler synonyms like "incorrect" or "wrong" are often preferred in casual speech. The word's formal tone makes it particularly useful in professional writing, where accuracy is crucial.