erring

[ ur-ing, er- ]

/ ˈɜr ɪŋ, ˈɛr- /

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See synonyms for: erring / erringly on Thesaurus.com

adjective

going astray; in error; wrong.

sinning.

QUIZ

ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ

There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!

Question 1 of 7

True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

true

false

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of erring

1300–50; Middle English; replacing Middle English errand.See err, -ing²

OTHER WORDS FROM erring

err·ing·ly, adverb

Words nearby erring

erratic, erratically, erratum, errhine, Er Rif, erring, Errol, erron., erroneous, erroneously, error

How to use erring in a sentence

Still, Nutella seems highly aware of the importance of erring on the side of niche.
How Nutella Conquered America|Emily Shire|May 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is far too soft, but Woodward can be forgiven for erring on the side of caution.
Oliver Stone’s Junk History of the United States Debunked|Michael Moynihan|November 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
With nothing to trust, Spaniards are erring on the side of suspicion.
Spain’s Baby-Snatching Scandal Focuses on Nun’s Alleged Role|Mike Elkin|April 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
This season she seems to be happily erring toward the latter posture, and having a lot more fun doing it.
Ellen's First Night|Richard Rushfield|February 9, 2010|DAILY BEAST

It was he who deserved punishment—not the sufferer with his calamities imposed upon him by his erring sire.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
She would talk of her interest in the poor erring soul that could only be saved by such means.
Skipper Worse|Alexander Lange Kielland
He was merciful toward erring women, but was unsparing toward every one who exploited them for gain.
Fighting the Traffic in Young Girls|Various
Napoleon's Council of State, touched with tenderness towards erring women, was quite inefficient.
Honorine|Honore de Balzac
He was kind, was this parson, and sweetly wishful for the goodness and welfare of all the erring sons and daughters of men.
The Cruise of the Shining Light|Norman Duncan