err

To make a mistake or judge something wrongly.

• I may have erred.
• The report erred in its calculation of the costs.
• Did we err by ignoring her advice?

How to use it: err in something (The judge erred in his interpretation of the rule.); err by doing something (We erred by trusting an unreliable source.); err on the side of something (I prefer to err on the side of caution.)

Similar words: make a mistake, misjudge

Common phrases: err in judgment, err on something, err by something

To do something considered wrong by religious rules.

• Even the faithful can err.
• He confessed that he had erred against God.
• Those who err may still seek forgiveness.

Similar words: sin

Common phrases: err against god, err and repent

To move away from the right path or direction.

• We erred from the path.
• The travelers erred into the woods after dark.
• Without a guide, they might err far from their route.

How to use it: err from something (The travelers erred from the marked path.)

Similar words: stray, wander

Common phrases: err from something, err off course

A sound you make while thinking or feeling unsure what to say.

• Err, I am not sure.
• "Err, what time is it?" he asked.
• Err, could you explain that again?

Similar words: er, um, uh

Common phrases: err well, err sorry