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Errant vs Mistaken - What's the difference?

errant | mistaken |

As adjectives the difference between errant and mistaken

is that errant is straying from the proper course or standard, or outside established limits while mistaken is erroneous.

As a verb mistaken is

past participle of lang=en.

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

    * ----

    mistaken

    English

    Verb

    (head)
  • I'm frequently mistaken for my brother.

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Erroneous.
  • This is a clear case of mistaken identity.
  • Having an incorrect belief.
  • I think you must be mistaken .
    He admitted he was mistaken about the budget numbers.

    Usage notes

    * The phrase (and variations) is used to indicate that one is uncertain about something one has said. * Nouns to which (term) is often applied: identity, belief, notion, view, assumption, impression, idea, thinking, identification, diagnosis, interpretation, person, opinion, conclusion, judgment, conception, perception, theory, reading, concept.

    Derived terms

    * mistaken identity