Erroneous: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：incorrect (erroneous)

erroneous 🔊

/ɪˈrəʊniəs/

adj.

Wrong, not correct.

Erroneous concept illustrated by a teacher pointing to a red-circled math mistake on homework.

incorrect 🔊

➕

/ˌɪnkəˈrekt/

adj.

Describes something that is based on or contains a mistake; not in accordance with fact or truth.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'erroneus' (wandering, straying), derived from 'error' (a mistake).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: An ERROR is made NEOusly (newly). An erroneous statement contains a fresh error.

📖 Example

We have identified the correct answer to the erroneous question in your exam paper. 🔊 We have identified the correct answer to the incorrect question in your exam paper.

🔗 Collocations

erroneous assumption – an assumption that is not correct

erroneous data – data that contains mistakes

erroneous conclusion – a conclusion reached based on incorrect information

🔄 Synonyms

incorrect (adj.) – Not accurate or true; factually wrong.

wrong (adj.) – Not correct or true; mistaken.

mistaken (adj.) – Based on or resulting from a misunderstanding or error in judgment.

🚫 Antonyms

correct (adj.) – Free from error; in accordance with fact or truth.

accurate (adj.) – Correct in all details; exactly right.

🌱 Derivatives

erroneously (adv.) – In a mistaken or incorrect manner.

error (n.) – A mistake.

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English via French in the 14th century from the Latin 'erroneus,' meaning 'wandering' or 'straying.' This original sense evolved metaphorically to describe ideas or facts that have 'strayed' from the truth, cementing its role in formal discourse on logic and accuracy.