What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Erroneous vs Mistakenly - What's the difference?

erroneous | mistakenly |

As an adjective erroneous

is containing an error; inaccurate.

As an adverb mistakenly is

by mistake, in error, wrongly.

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

    mistakenly

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • By mistake, in error, wrongly.
    • I mistakenly assumed that the shop was still there.

    Related terms

    * (l) * (l)