Erroneously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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erroneously

[ɪˈrəʊniəsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

inaccurate information

In a mistaken or incorrect way; incorrectly.

Synonyms

incorrectly, mistakenly, wrongly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
erroneously

Used in formal or academic settings, often found in written texts such as reports, articles, or legal documents.

  • The data was erroneously recorded in the report
incorrectly

Commonly used in everyday language to point out mistakes or errors in various situations like assignments, instructions, or everyday tasks.

  • He answered the question incorrectly on the test
wrongly

Used similarly to 'incorrectly', but can have a stronger or more negative connotation, sometimes implying not just a mistake but also a sense of moral judgment.

  • The journalist wrongly accused the politician of corruption
mistakenly

Often used to describe a situation where someone has misunderstood or made a wrong judgment, sometimes emphasizing the accidental nature of the mistake.

  • She mistakenly believed that the meeting was at 3 PM instead of 2 PM

Examples of usage

  • The rumor was spread erroneously without any verification.
  • He was erroneously accused of theft.
Context #2 | Adjective

incorrect or false

Containing or characterized by error; mistaken; incorrect.

Synonyms

false, incorrect, mistaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
erroneously

Used when describing something that contains an error or mistake, often in formal or academic settings.

  • The data was erroneously recorded, leading to incorrect results.
  • He was erroneously accused of the crime.
incorrect

Appropriate for general situations where something is simply not right or accurate.

  • The answer on the test was incorrect.
  • His calculations were incorrect, causing the rocket to veer off course.
false

Used to describe something that is not true or is intentionally misleading, often with a negative connotation.

  • The witness provided false testimony during the trial.
  • He spread false rumors about his rival.
mistaken

Used when talking about a belief or idea that is wrong, often with the implication that it is an honest error.

  • She was mistaken in thinking that the meeting was tomorrow.
  • He was mistaken about the facts of the case.

Examples of usage

  • The erroneous report led to confusion among the public.
  • The erroneous data caused the project to fail.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In scientific research, findings can be erroneously reported if there's a misunderstanding of data or miscalculation.
  • Errors in experiments may lead to erroneous conclusions, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing.
  • Peer review seeks to catch any errors, ensuring published research is less likely to be erroneous.

Literature

  • Many literary plots involve characters who act erroneously, leading to pivotal moments in the story.
  • Poets often explore the theme of human error, reflecting on how people can make erroneous choices despite good intentions.
  • Authors like Shakespeare have intricately woven the concept of mistaken identity and erroneous assumptions into their works.

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases can cause people to make erroneous judgments about others based on limited information.
  • The Dunning-Kruger effect illustrates how individuals with limited knowledge may erroneously overestimate their understanding.
  • People often cling to erroneous beliefs, even when presented with evidence to the contrary, due to a phenomenon known as belief perseverance.

Pop Culture

  • Misunderstandings in popular movies often arise from characters acting erroneously, leading to comedic or dramatic moments.
  • Songs with themes of erroneous love explore the idea of flawed relationships where perceptions don’t match reality.
  • Social media can amplify erroneous news quickly, showcasing how misinformation spreads even faster than factual information.

Origin of 'erroneously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'errare', which means 'to wander' or 'to err'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 1600s, evolving to describe actions that are incorrect.
  • Related forms include 'error', which shares the same Latin root and further illustrates the connection between the word and making mistakes.

The word 'erroneously' originated from the Latin word 'erroneus' meaning 'wandering, straying, or mistaken'. Over time, it evolved to its current form in English, maintaining the essence of being incorrect or mistaken. The concept of error and inaccuracy has been a common theme in human communication and understanding, leading to the continued usage of 'erroneously' to describe situations or information that is incorrect or false.


See also: erroneous.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,908, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.