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Errant vs Erroneous - What's the difference?

errant | erroneous |

As adjectives the difference between errant and erroneous

is that errant is straying from the proper course or standard, or outside established limits while erroneous is containing an error; inaccurate.

errant

English

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Straying from the proper course or standard, or outside established limits.
  • * Sir Thomas Browne
    • seven planets or errant stars in the lower orbs of heaven
  • Prone to making errors.
  • (proscribed) Utter, complete (negative); arrant.
  • * Ben Jonson
    • would make me an errant fool

    Usage notes

    Sometimes is considered simply an alternative spelling and pronunciation of errant', though many authorities distinguish them, reserving '''errant''' to mean “wandering” and using it ''after'' the noun it modifies, notably is “knight '''errant ”, while using ''arrant'' to mean “utter”, in a negative sense, and ''before'' the noun it modifies, notably in “''arrant knaves”. Etymologically, arrant arose as a variant of errant , but the meanings have long since diverged. Both terms are archaic, primarily used in set phrases (which may be considered ), and are easily confused, and on that basis some authorities suggest against using either.

    Synonyms

    *

    Derived terms

    * (l) * (l)

    References

    * “ arrant/errant”, Common Errors in English Usage, Paul Brians * On Language: Arrant Nonsense, (William Safire), January 22, 2006, (New York Times) * Merriam–Webster’s dictionary of English usage, 1995, “errant, arrant”, pp. 406–407

    Anagrams

    * ----

    erroneous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Containing an error; inaccurate.
  • * His answer to the sum was erroneous .
  • Derived from an error.
  • * His conclusion was erroneous as it was based on a false assumption.
  • Mistaken.
  • * His choice at the line-up was erroneous as he had only seen the mugger for an instant.
  • (legal) signifies a deviation from the requirements of the law, but does not connote a lack of legal authority, and is thus distinguished from illegal.
  • * If, while having the power to act, one commits error in the exercise of that power, he acts erroneously .

    • Usage notes

    * Nouns to which "erroneous" is often applied: impression, assumption, belief, conclusion, statement, idea, data, view, opinion, judgment, notion, decision, interpretation, diagnosis, conception, theory, reading, instruction, ruling, assessment, doctrine, advice, value, application, thinking, perception, principle, concept, action, description, record, determination, teaching, inference, premise, conviction, reasoning, argument, exclusion, calculation, inclusion, treatment, deductions, analysis.

    Synonyms

    * (containing an error) inaccurate, incorrect, wrong * (derived from an error) fallacious, false, faulty, flawed * (mistaken) mistaken, wrong *

    Derived terms

    * erroneously * erroneousness

    See also

    * fallacious