Erratum - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

An 'erratum' (plural: errata) is similar to a corrigendum; it's a formal correction to a published text, often for academic or technical works. It is a statement correcting a mistake in a book. Think of it as a 'whoops, we goofed' note. 'Erratum' is often used in more formal or scholarly contexts than 'corrigendum'. It's typically a separate insert or page.

Etymology

'Erratum' comes directly from Latin, meaning 'error' or 'mistake'. It's related to the Latin verb 'errare' (to wander or to err). The word is a direct acknowledgment of a mistake. Like 'corrigendum,' it maintains its Latin form.

Related Words

Examples

• "The scientific journal published an erratum to correct the experimental data."
• "The textbook included an erratum with a list of typographical errors."
• "The author issued an erratum to clarify a confusing passage."
• "Refer to the erratum sheet for the corrected formulas."

Encouragement

'Erratum' is a valuable word for academic discussions. Using it shows your understanding of scholarly standards. It highlights the importance of accuracy in formal writing. 🤓

Learn More

📖 Learn more on Wikipedia