Fallibly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fallibly

[ˈfæl.ə.bli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

human error

Fallibly refers to the capability of making mistakes or being prone to error. It highlights the inherent imperfections in judgment and decision-making that can occur due to various factors, including emotional states and cognitive biases.

Synonyms

erroneously, faultily, imperfectly.

Examples of usage

  • We all fallibly interpret the information we receive.
  • The scientist fallibly concluded the experiment without considering other variables.
  • Humans fallibly make decisions based on incomplete data.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In epistemology, fallibility is crucial as it acknowledges that all human knowledge is subject to error.
  • Famous philosophers, like Karl Popper, argued that scientific theories must be testable and, thus, fallible.
  • The concept invites humility and open-mindedness in discussions about knowledge and truth.

Psychology

  • Research in cognitive psychology shows that overconfidence can lead to errors in judgment, which highlights our fallible nature.
  • Understanding our own fallibility can foster resilience, as it encourages learning from mistakes and growth.
  • The acceptance of fallibility is key in therapeutic settings, allowing individuals to confront their flaws and improve.

Literature

  • Many literary characters embody fallibility, portraying their struggles with mistakes and moral choices, like Shakespeare's Macbeth.
  • Fallibility is often a theme in classic literature, reminding readers of the human condition and our shared imperfections.
  • Writers like Jane Austen depict fallibility in social judgments, demonstrating how characters learn from their errors.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often focus on characters' fallibilities to create relatable stories, such as the ensemble casts in shows like 'Friends.'
  • Movies like 'The Fault in Our Stars' explore themes of human imperfections and how they affect relationships.
  • Social media culture embraces fallibility, with influencers sharing their mistakes to promote authenticity and connection with followers.

Origin of 'fallibly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fallibilis,' which means 'able to fail or err.'
  • It combines the prefix 'fall-', meaning 'to fall or make a mistake,' with '-ible,' which indicates something that can happen.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, reflecting a long-standing acknowledgment of human imperfection.

The word 'fallibly' originates from the Latin term 'fallibilis', meaning 'able to fall', which is derived from 'fallere', meaning 'to deceive or to fall'. It was adopted into Middle English through Old French forms, where the prefix 'fall-' implies a failure to maintain a high standard. As societies developed and the importance of human judgment became more prominent in various fields including philosophy, ethics, and science, the term 'fallibly' began to be used to describe the potential for human error in decision-making processes. It has since taken root in modern English to express the idea that, despite our best intentions, we are all subject to inaccuracies and fallacies in our actions and thought processes.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,519, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.