• Categorized under Language | Difference Between Error and Mistake
Error vs Mistake
Synonyms are two or more different words that bear the same or similar meaning. However, there are appropriate ways to use the words, and this will often depend on the context.
‘Error’ and ‘Mistake’ are two of these words. Both of the words mean: “A wrong action attributable to bad judgment, or ignorance, or inattention”. Many use these words interchangeably, which can be right for certain situations, but some would deem a particular word as more appropriate than the other.
As what has been said earlier, the context will dictate the proper usage. ‘Error’ and ‘mistake’ fall into the same category. Many say that ‘error’ is more severe. It is due to miscalculation and wrong judgment, that ‘mistake’, on the other hand, is less in gravity, as people normally make mistakes. However, there are also many people who will argue with this dissection.
It is highly acceptable to use ‘error’ in formal or technical contexts. In scientific or highly technical terms, the word ‘error’ is more suitable. In the world of computing and programming, ‘error’ is the more fitting term to indicate a mistake, or fault, particularly in coding and processes. ‘System Error’ sounds better than ‘System Mistake’, doesn’t it?
‘Mistake’, on the other hand, is used more in casual English conversation. Though ‘error’ may still be used in exchange, it will often sound unnatural, or technicalese. It would be awkward to say something like: “It was all an error. I am sorry!”, to your girlfriend. The more natural sounding statement would be: “It was all a mistake. I am sorry!”
In terms of etymology, the words are more deeply differentiated. The word ‘error’ came from the latin word ‘errorem’ or ‘errare’, which means ‘to wander or stray’. The root of the word ‘mistake’, nails the meaning more correctly. It is from the old Norse word, ‘mistaka’, which means ‘mis’ (wrong) and ‘taka’ (take). As a whole, it means ‘wrongly taken’.
Summary:
1. Some may consider ‘error’ to be much more severe than ‘mistake’.
2. The term ‘error’ is more suitable for more formal contexts, while ‘mistake’ is used more extensively in casual conversations.
3. Etymology suggests that ‘error’ was from a latin word which means ‘to wander or stray’, while ‘mistake’ is from an old Norse word, which means ‘wrongly taken’.
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Ошибки совершают абсолютно все, и в этом нет ничего страшного. В английском языке есть два слова error и mistake, которые переводятся, как «ошибка». Но между этими словами есть разница в использовании, о которой вы сейчас узнаете.
Mistake
Произношение и перевод:
Mistake [mɪˈsteɪk] / [мистэ’ик] – ошибка
Значение слова:
То, что было сделано неправильно
Употребление:
Мы используем mistake, когда говорим о том, что какое-то утверждение/мнение неправильно, или что-то сделано неверно. Например, в тексте было много ошибок.
Пример:
That move was a big mistake.
Тот переезд был большой ошибкой.
The football player has made a huge mistake.
Футболист совершил огромную ошибку.
Хотите заговорить на английском?
Приходите на наш бесплатный онлайн мастер-класс «Как довести английский язык до автоматизма»
Подробнее
Также Вы можете ознакомиться со всеми онлайн-курсами английского языка.
Error
Произношение и перевод:
Error [ˈerə(r)] / [э’ра(р)] – ошибка
Значение слова:
Неправильность в чем-либо
Употребление:
Error является официальным словом. Мы используем его, когда говорим об ошибках в официальных документах, вычислениях и расчетах. Также error используется, когда мы говорим об ошибках в работе компьютера или программы.
Пример:
There was an error in their calculations.
В их вычислениях была ошибка.
An error message appeared on the screen.
Сообщение об ошибке появилось на экране.
В чем разница?
Слово mistake мы используем, когда говорим о том, что что-то является неправильным или сделано неверно. Например, ученик допустил ошибку в экзаменационном билете.
Слово error мы используем также, когда говорим о том, что что-то является неправильным. Однако это слово является официальным. И используется чаще всего, когда говорится об ошибке в вычислениях и документах. Также error используется, когда речь идет об ошибке в работе техники или программ. Например, при отправке сообщения произошла ошибка.
Упражнение на закрепление
Вставьте правильные слова в следующие предложения:
1. Он осознал свою ___.
2. Не бойтесь делать ___ при разговоре на английском.
3. В вашем заявлении ___, перепишите его.
4. При загрузке возникла ___.
5. В тексте было много ___.
6. Должно быть в ваших расчетах ___.
7. Она никогда не признает своих ___.
8. Их встреча была ___.
Свои ответы оставляйте в комментариях.
Содержание
- В чем разница между error и mistake?
- Mistake
- Error
- В чем разница?
- Упражнение на закрепление
- Difference Between Error and Mistake
- Error vs Mistake
- What is an Error?
- What is a Mistake?
- What is the difference between Error and Mistake?
- Error vs Mistake
- Recent Posts
- Archives
- find the answer of your curiosity here!
- Difference Between Error and Mistake
- Main Difference – Error vs Mistake
- What is a Mistake
- What is an Error
- Difference Between Error and Mistake
- Cause
- Usage
- About the Author: Hasa
В чем разница между error и mistake?
Ошибки совершают абсолютно все, и в этом нет ничего страшного. В английском языке есть два слова error и mistake, которые переводятся, как «ошибка». Но между этими словами есть разница в использовании, о которой вы сейчас узнаете.
Mistake
Произношение и перевод:
Mistake [mɪˈsteɪk] / [мистэ’ик] – ошибка
Значение слова:
То, что было сделано неправильно
Мы используем mistake, когда говорим о том, что какое-то утверждение/мнение неправильно, или что-то сделано неверно. Например, в тексте было много ошибок.
That move was a big mistake.
Тот переезд был большой ошибкой.
The football player has made a huge mistake.
Футболист совершил огромную ошибку.
Хотите заговорить на английском?
Приходите на наш бесплатный онлайн мастер-класс «Как довести английский язык до автоматизма»
Подробнее
Также Вы можете ознакомиться со всеми онлайн-курсами английского языка.
Error
Произношение и перевод:
Error [ˈerə(r)] / [э’ра(р)] – ошибка
Значение слова:
Неправильность в чем-либо
Употребление:
Error является официальным словом. Мы используем его, когда говорим об ошибках в официальных документах, вычислениях и расчетах. Также error используется, когда мы говорим об ошибках в работе компьютера или программы.
There was an error in their calculations.
В их вычислениях была ошибка.
An error message appeared on the screen.
Сообщение об ошибке появилось на экране.
В чем разница?
Слово mistake мы используем, когда говорим о том, что что-то является неправильным или сделано неверно. Например, ученик допустил ошибку в экзаменационном билете.
Слово error мы используем также, когда говорим о том, что что-то является неправильным. Однако это слово является официальным. И используется чаще всего, когда говорится об ошибке в вычислениях и документах. Также error используется, когда речь идет об ошибке в работе техники или программ. Например, при отправке сообщения произошла ошибка.
Упражнение на закрепление
Вставьте правильные слова в следующие предложения:
1. Он осознал свою ___.
2. Не бойтесь делать ___ при разговоре на английском.
3. В вашем заявлении ___, перепишите его.
4. При загрузке возникла ___.
5. В тексте было много ___.
6. Должно быть в ваших расчетах ___.
7. Она никогда не признает своих ___.
8. Их встреча была ___.
Источник
Difference Between Error and Mistake
January 25, 2011 Posted by Admin
Error vs Mistake
Since error and mistake are two very frequently used words and people often use them interchangeably, though they have slightly different meanings, it is important to know the difference between error and mistake. Both terms refer to something done incorrectly due to personal misjudgment or inattention, but they are used in different situations, to be more fitting. The word error is only used as a noun in sentences. Mistake, on the other hand, is used as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is an irregular verb. Error is also used in the sense of mistake. Therefore, it is interesting to find out the difference between error and mistake.
What is an Error?
Error can be defined as an act that had been performed as a result of bad judgment. It is a deviation from accuracy or correctness or can even be defined as the holding of mistaken opinions. This word is used in formal situations and is mostly used in written language. Error is a term that is often used with regard to computing and programming problems since it is more technical than casual.
Look at the following examples.
It was an error of judgment that led to his downfall.
You do not speak in this manner. However, you can find these types of sentences used in books and such pieces of writings. That is because error is a word that is used more in written language.
I don’t know what is wrong with my computer. An error message keeps on popping when I try to print.
Here, in this sentence, the word error is meant to be computer error. You never say computer mistake. It is always a computer error.
What is a Mistake?
A mistake can be defined as a misguided or wrong judgment, opinion or act. It is a term that is used in day to day life for such acts. A common example taken from day to day life is mistaking salt for sugar. A mistake is a wrongful act that has occurred due to the ignorance of a person and is often unintentionally done so. The term mistake is a word that is used more often in spoken English as it is not seen to be often used in formal English. Following is an example for the use of mistake.
My mistake! I mistook my umbrella for yours. Sorry!
In this sentence, the speaker says my mistake which is a commonly used phrase in such situations. Also, you can see how the verb mistake is used in the past tense for this sentence.
What is the difference between Error and Mistake?
Error and mistake are two words that imply a wrongful deed often done unintentionally. Although used in different contexts, they can at times be used interchangeably as they both refer to the same concept more or less.
The word error is used in formal language. Mistake is a word that is used in everyday parlance. Error is used with regards to technical issues. Mistake is not used in reference to such matters.
Summary:
Error vs Mistake
• Mistake is used in terms of an incorrect action, opinion or judgment. It is also used to express misunderstanding: for example, “I have mistaken you.”
• Error is a mistake that causes problems or affects the result of something and is used in formal contexts.
• Both these terms can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
Источник
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What is the difference between error and mistakes?
A mistake refers to a performance error that is either a random guess or a “slip”, in that is a failure to utilize a noun system correctly. All people make a mistake, in both native and second language situations. Native speakers are normally capable of recognizing and correcting such “lapses” or mistakes, which are not the result of a deficiency in competence but the result of some sort of temporary breakdown or imperfection in the process of producing speech. These hesitations, slips of the tongue, random ungrammaticalities, and other performance lapses in native-speaker production also occur in second language speech.
An error, a noticeable deviation from the adult grammar of a native speaker, reflects the competence of the learner. An error is most likely not a mistake, and error that reveals a portion of the learner’s competence in the target language.
From the explanation above, what is the difference between both of them? An error cannot be self-corrected, according to James (1998:83), while mistakes can be corrected if the deviation is pointed out to the speaker. Thus, students who make a mistake can correct it by themselves because they know the correct one.
Brown, H. Douglas (-4 th .ed .2000.Principles of Language Learning And Teaching. New York: Pearson Education
Источник
Error vs Mistake
Synonyms are two or more different words that bear the same or similar meaning. However, there are appropriate ways to use the words, and this will often depend on the context.
‘Error’ and ‘Mistake’ are two of these words. Both of the words mean: “A wrong action attributable to bad judgment, or ignorance, or inattention”. Many use these words interchangeably, which can be right for certain situations, but some would deem a particular word as more appropriate than the other.
As what has been said earlier, the context will dictate the proper usage. ‘Error’ and ‘mistake’ fall into the same category. Many say that ‘error’ is more severe. It is due to miscalculation and wrong judgment, that ‘mistake’, on the other hand, is less in gravity, as people normally make mistakes. However, there are also many people who will argue with this dissection.
It is highly acceptable to use ‘error’ in formal or technical contexts. In scientific or highly technical terms, the word ‘error’ is more suitable. In the world of computing and programming, ‘error’ is the more fitting term to indicate a mistake, or fault, particularly in coding and processes. ‘System Error’ sounds better than ‘System Mistake’, doesn’t it?
‘Mistake’, on the other hand, is used more in casual English conversation. Though ‘error’ may still be used in exchange, it will often sound unnatural, or technicalese. It would be awkward to say something like: “It was all an error. I am sorry!”, to your girlfriend. The more natural sounding statement would be: “It was all a mistake. I am sorry!”
In terms of etymology, the words are more deeply differentiated. The word ‘error’ came from the latin word ‘errorem’ or ‘errare’, which means ‘to wander or stray’. The root of the word ‘mistake’, nails the meaning more correctly. It is from the old Norse word, ‘mistaka’, which means ‘mis’ (wrong) and ‘taka’ (take). As a whole, it means ‘wrongly taken’.
1. Some may consider ‘error’ to be much more severe than ‘mistake’.
2. The term ‘error’ is more suitable for more formal contexts, while ‘mistake’ is used more extensively in casual conversations.
3. Etymology suggests that ‘error’ was from a latin word which means ‘to wander or stray’, while ‘mistake’ is from an old Norse word, which means ‘wrongly taken’.
Источник
Difference Between Error and Mistake
Main Difference – Error vs Mistake
Both error and mistake imply that something has been done wrong. Although error and mistake both refer to something wrong, inaccurate or faulty, there is a difference between them based on their usage. The main difference between error and mistake is that error is more formal and technical than mistake. Now we are going to look at these two words more closely and try to identify the other differences between them. 
What is a Mistake
A mistake can refer to an act or judgment that is misguided or wrong. For example, you use the word mistake to refer to a decision which brought unsuccessful results.
Her decision to sell the house was a big mistake.
I realized that meeting him was a mistake.
Mistake can also be used to refer something (a word, figure, fact, etc.) that is not correct.
You make too much spelling mistakes.
There is a mistake in this page.
The word mistake may sometimes also imply that the person who made the mistake have knowledge, even though did it inaccurately. It may be carelessness that resulted in a mistake. The person who made the mistake may be able to identify his own mistake.
What is an Error
Error also has the same meaning as mistake. However, the word error is considered to be more formal than mistake. It is commonly used in technical and academic writing. Error is also used in relation to software and computer. Given below are some examples of the usage of this word:
This paper has several errors.
He made an error of judgment.
I received an error message saying that password is incorrect.
In linguistics, making errors in language indicate a person’s lack of knowledge. Therefore, the person who is making the error doesn’t know that he is doing something wrong. For example, you do not understand some concepts in math, so you make a lot of errors because you don’t have knowledge in math. Now, imagine a situation where you understand and know the concepts, but you did the calculations in a rush because you had to go out. You had knowledge, but it’s your carelessness that resulted in the mistakes.
Although error and mistake can sometimes be used interchangeably, they cannot be interchanged in some expressions such as error of judgment and human error.
Difference Between Error and Mistake
Cause
Errors are made due to lack of knowledge.
Mistakes are accidental.
Usage
Error is more technical and formal than mistake.
Mistake is more informal and casual than error.
“Windows 9X BSOD” By Akhristov at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by TFCforever. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
“The four capital mistakes of open source” by opensource.com (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr
Hasa has a BA degree in English, French and Translation studies. She is currently reading for a Masters degree in English. Her areas of interests include literature, language, linguistics and also food.
Источник
Since error and mistake are two very frequently used words and people often use them interchangeably, though they have slightly different meanings, it is important to know the difference between error and mistake. Both terms refer to something done incorrectly due to personal misjudgment or inattention, but they are used in different situations, to be more fitting. The word error is only used as a noun in sentences. Mistake, on the other hand, is used as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is an irregular verb. Error is also used in the sense of mistake. Therefore, it is interesting to find out the difference between error and mistake.
What is an Error?
Error can be defined as an act that had been performed as a result of bad judgment. It is a deviation from accuracy or correctness or can even be defined as the holding of mistaken opinions. This word is used in formal situations and is mostly used in written language. Error is a term that is often used with regard to computing and programming problems since it is more technical than casual.
Look at the following examples.
It was an error of judgment that led to his downfall.
You do not speak in this manner. However, you can find these types of sentences used in books and such pieces of writings. That is because error is a word that is used more in written language.
I don’t know what is wrong with my computer. An error message keeps on popping when I try to print.
Here, in this sentence, the word error is meant to be computer error. You never say computer mistake. It is always a computer error.
What is a Mistake?
A mistake can be defined as a misguided or wrong judgment, opinion or act. It is a term that is used in day to day life for such acts. A common example taken from day to day life is mistaking salt for sugar. A mistake is a wrongful act that has occurred due to the ignorance of a person and is often unintentionally done so. The term mistake is a word that is used more often in spoken English as it is not seen to be often used in formal English. Following is an example for the use of mistake.
My mistake! I mistook my umbrella for yours. Sorry!
In this sentence, the speaker says my mistake which is a commonly used phrase in such situations. Also, you can see how the verb mistake is used in the past tense for this sentence.
What is the difference between Error and Mistake?
Error and mistake are two words that imply a wrongful deed often done unintentionally. Although used in different contexts, they can at times be used interchangeably as they both refer to the same concept more or less.
The word error is used in formal language. Mistake is a word that is used in everyday parlance. Error is used with regards to technical issues. Mistake is not used in reference to such matters.
Summary:
Error vs Mistake
• Mistake is used in terms of an incorrect action, opinion or judgment. It is also used to express misunderstanding: for example, “I have mistaken you.”
• Error is a mistake that causes problems or affects the result of something and is used in formal contexts.
• Both these terms can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
Further Reading:
- Difference Between Exception and Error
- Difference Between Misrepresentation and Mistake
Difference between error and mistake. First of all, let me remind you that we make a mistake and not do a mistake.
You can learn other expressions with MAKE and DO in my other post here How to use make and do correctly?
Harry
Harry is a native English teacher with over 10 years of experience both online and in face-to-face lessons. With his extensive experience in business, he specialises in Business English lessons but happily teaches ESL students with any English learning needs.
Difference between Error and Mistake
I always hate it when I make a mistake. When I type something incorrectly when I am in a rush or say the wrong thing.
The other word you probably came across is an error.
What’s the difference between ‘error’ and ‘mistake’?
Both terms overlap each other as they both refer to a wrong or incorrect action. For example, incorrect exam answer could be called both an error and a mistake.
There are, however, significant differences.
Difference between Error and Mistake
Share and help other students to improve English skills:
Mistake
In most cases, a mistake is a decision that later turns out to be wrong. You might feel that you made a wrong choice (mistake) if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your decision.
Error
An error is a more formal word and is generally used when the chosen action is compared to a set of rules. The action is considered to be wrong if it is different to the rules.
Computers, of course, produce various errors when they are not working properly.
This also got me thinking about the English vocabulary words we use when we do something incorrectly.
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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
- What you’ll learn:
- better understanding of more complex grammar structures
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Alternative Words for Mistake in English
1️⃣ ERROR: There is an error in this report. You have used the wrong word.
2️⃣ TYPO: Informal English language to explain a word written incorrectly in an email or letter because you were in a rush or you cannot type very well.
There is a typo in my email, sorry I meant to say God instead of Dog.
3️⃣ MISTAKE: We make mistakes all of the time. Some can be big and some small.
Sorry, I made a mistake I meant to make my appointment for 10 am not 11 am.
We can also be mistaken in what we see.
For example, mistaken identity refers to a situation where a person is incorrectly identified as committing a crime because he looked similar to the real criminal.
Important to remember that we MAKE mistakes not DO mistakes!!
4️⃣ BLUNDER: very informal English language to describe when you make any type of mistake.
I am sorry I made a blunder. I sent the letter to the wrong person. I will have to apologise.
There are many other informal words to use such as:
5️⃣ BLOOMER
and
6️⃣ HOWLER
Recently, when I was watching a Newcastle United football match, the referee made many mistakes. He had a howler (bad game) and made lots of bloomers (wrong decisions)!!!
More Information
Difference between Error and Mistake — Infographic
You will love these English lessons
English Grammar
Phrasal Verbs
Useful English Collocations
There are many words in the English dictionary which have different spellings but have similar means and are often confused by many people and are used wrongly in sentences by people.
Though both these words are stated to have similar meanings, they do have their differences. Two such words are Error and Mistake.
The difference between error and mistake is that the word ‘error’ is most commonly used in scientific terms or highly technical terms by professionals when something is done at fault, and on the other hand, the word ‘mistake’ is most commonly used in sentence commonly by the common people in everyday life for describing someone’s fault.
The word ‘Error’ is a word that is used in a sentence by a person to denote something faulty. It denotes that something is wrong when this word is used in a sentence by a person.
This word falls under a noun in the figures of speech. This word is often observed to be used in technical and formal terms. The word Error is derived from the Latin words’ error or ‘error, which means to stray.
The word ‘mistake’ is a word that is used in a sentence by a person to denote something when someone does something wrong due to some bad judgment. This word also occurs when someone does something in ignorance or an intention.
This word is derived from two old words, namely the ‘mistake. A person is said to make a mistake when he or she brings out a negative or bad result by doing something.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Error | Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Number of letters | This is a five-lettered word. | This is an eight-lettered word. |
| Rectification | This cannot be rectified. | This can be rectified. |
| Figures of speech | This is a noun. | This is a noun and a verb. |
| Intensity of fault | This is a severe fault. | This is a less severe fault. |
| Type of communication | This word is used more in technical language. | This word is used more in daily communication. |
What is Error?
The word ‘Error’ is the word that is used in a sentence by a person to denote something faulty. It denotes that something is wrong when this word is used in a sentence by a person.
This word falls under a noun in the figures of speech. This word is often observed to be used in technical and formal terms. The word Error is derived from the Latin words’ erroree or ‘errore, which means to stray.
An action performed by a person is stated to be an error when he or she performed it against any code, rules, or any specific model. A person doing anything that is stated to be a Violence is known as an error. An error cannot be corrected by a person. It is generally used as a collective term.
The following are examples of some sentences in which the word error is used—
- This paper has several errors in writing.
- This article has several grammatical errors.
- There is an error that occurred while writing the legal terms and conditions.
- You have performed so many errors which cannot be rectified.
What is Mistake?
The word ‘mistake’ is a word that is used in a sentence by a person to denote something when someone does something wrong due to some bad judgment.
This word also occurs when someone does something in ignorance or an intention. This word is derived from two old words, namely the ‘mistakaa.’ A person is said to make a mistake when he or she brings out a negative or bad result by doing something.
A mistake, in short, refers to an action that is done by mistake in a specific situation at a particular period. When a person performs a mistake, there can be rectification done of that mistake.
A mistake can never be made by purpose in legal terms. This word is used in many common ways by the general people in day-to-day life.
The following are examples of some sentences in which the word mistake is used—
- I’m so sorry I have made a mistake.
- Mistakes did a person should be apologized.
- She made a mistake by letting him inside the party.
- Everyone once in a lifetime makes many mistakes that can be corrected.
Main Differences Between Error and Mistake
- The word ‘Error’ is a noun when it is used in a sentence by a person. The word ‘mistake’ is a noun and a verb when it is used in a sentence by a person.
- The word ‘Error’ is commonly used in formal communication only when it a fault is made by a person. The word ‘mistake’ is Commons used in informal communication only when it is a fault made by a person.
- The word ‘Error’ is used in a sentence when a fault cannot be corrected or rectified, and on the other hand, the word ‘mistake’ is used in a sentence by a person when a fault can be corrected or rectified.
- An error made by a person when the fault made is severe, and on the other hand, a mistake made by a person when the fault made is less severe.
- Error is occurred due to a wrong judgment and ignorance by a person, and on the other hand, a mistake is occurred due to some performance based on some circumstance.
References
- https://psycnet.apa.org/journals/bul/101/1/75.html?uid=1987-15546-001
- http://203.189.120.189/ejournal/index.php/ing/article/view/15485
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Main Difference
The main difference between Error and Mistake is that Error is the wrong action, which is the result of the lack of knowledge or skill, whereas Mistake is a wrongly made choice that is usually accidental.
Difference Between Error and Mistake
Error vs. Mistake
The word error is a noun that refers to something wrong or inaccurate; in contrast, the word mistake is a noun, as well as a verb, implying that something is done wrong.
Error vs. Mistake
The word ‘error’ originated from the Latin word ‘errorem’ or ‘errare,’ meaning ‘to wander or stray’; on the flip side, the word mistake is rooted from the old Norse word, ‘mistaka,’ that means ‘wrongly taken.’
Error vs. Mistake
The word error is associated with scientific or highly technical terms; on the contrary, the word mistake is commonly observed in casual conversations.
Error vs. Mistake
Error is the wrong action, which is the result of the lack of knowledge or skill; on the other hand, the mistake is a wrongly made a choice and is usually accidental.
Error vs. Mistake
Error is more formal and technical, whereas mistake is less formal, less technical, and is more casual.
Error vs. Mistake
Error is considered more severe; on the converse, a mistake is less severe.
Error vs. Mistake
The reason for the error can be a miscalculation and wrong judgment; on the other hand, the reason behind mistakes depends on the performance of a person, and they can be self-corrected.
Errornoun
(uncountable) The state, quality, or condition of being wrong.
Mistakenoun
An error; a blunder.
Errornoun
(countable) A mistake; an accidental wrong action or a false statement not made deliberately.
Mistakenoun
(baseball) A pitch which was intended to be pitched in a hard-to-hit location, but instead ends up in an easy-to-hit place.
Errornoun
Sin; transgression.
Mistakeverb
(transitive) To understand wrongly, taking one thing or person for another.
Sorry, I mistook you for my brother. You look very similar.
Errornoun
A failure to complete a task, usually involving a premature termination.
Mistakeverb
To misunderstand (someone).
Errornoun
The difference between a measured or calculated value and a true one.
Mistakeverb
To commit an unintentional error; to do or think something wrong.
Errornoun
A play which is scored as having been made incorrectly.
Mistakeverb
To take or choose wrongly.
Errornoun
One or more mistakes in a trial that could be grounds for review of the judgement.
Mistakenoun
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention;
he made a bad mistakeshe was quick to point out my errorsI could understand his English in spite of his grammatical faults
Errornoun
Any alteration in the DNA chemical structure occurring during DNA replication, recombination or repairing.
Mistakenoun
an understanding of something that is not correct;
he wasn’t going to admit his mistakemake no mistake about his intentionsthere must be some misunderstanding—I don’t have a sister
Errorverb
(computing) To function improperly due to an error, especially accompanied by error message.
The web-page took a long time to load and errored out.Remove that line of code and the script should stop erroring there.This directory errors with a «Permission denied» message.
Mistakenoun
part of a statement that is not correct;
the book was full of errors
Errorverb
(telecommunications) To show or contain an error or fault.
The block transmission errored near the start and could not be received.
Mistakeverb
identify incorrectly;
Don’t mistake her for her twin sister
Errorverb
(nonstandard) To err.
Mistakeverb
to make a mistake or be incorrect
Errornoun
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention;
he made a bad mistakeshe was quick to point out my errorsI could understand his English in spite of his grammatical faults
Errornoun
inadvertent incorrectness
Errornoun
a misconception resulting from incorrect information
Errornoun
(baseball) a failure of a defensive player to make an out when normal play would have sufficed
Errornoun
departure from what is ethically acceptable
Errornoun
(computer science) the occurrence of an incorrect result produced by a computer
Errornoun
part of a statement that is not correct;
the book was full of errors
Comparison Chart
| Error | Mistake |
| Error is the wrong action, which is the result of the lack of knowledge or skill. | The mistake is a wrongly made choice that is usually accidental. |
| Usage | |
| Formal | Informal |
| Context | |
| Technical | Casual |
| Cause | |
| Lack of knowledge | Accidental |
| Parts of Speech | |
| Noun | Noun, verb |
| Reason | |
| A miscalculation, lack of knowledge, wrong judgment | The performance of a person |
| Severe | |
| More | Less |
Error vs. Mistake
The word error is a noun that refers to something wrong, inaccurate, faulty, etc. The word mistake is a noun, as well as a verb implying that something is done wrong. Error is a kind of wrongdoing that is more formal and technical. The mistake is less formal and less technical wrongdoing. The reason for the error can be a miscalculation and wrong judgment. The reason behind mistakes depends on the performance of a person, and they can be self-corrected. Error is considered more severe as compared to mistakes. The mistake is less severe, and people commonly make mistakes.
Error is the wrong action, which is the result of the lack of knowledge or skill. For example, making tense mistakes, grammatical mistakes, skipping any word from a speech, etc. are all errors. The mistake is a wrongly made a choice and is usually accidental. For example, “Coming to this place was a mistake. We only wasted our time.”
The word ‘error’ originated from the Latin word ‘errorem’ or ‘errare,’ meaning ‘to wander or stray.’ The word mistake is rooted in the old Norse word, ‘mistaka,’ which means ‘wrongly taken.’ The word error is a more formal word and is not used in daily speech. It is highly used in technical contexts, e.g., in scientific or highly technical terms. The word mistake is less formal and is used in daily speech. Its use is commonly seen in casual conversations.
What is Error?
The word error refers to something wrong, inaccurate, faulty, etc. It falls into the category of a noun. Error is such a kind of wrongdoing that is more formal and technical. It can be a miscalculation and wrong judgment. The word ‘error’ originated from the Latin word ‘errorem’ or ‘errare,’ meaning ‘to wander or stray.’ The word error is a more formal word and is not used in casual speech. Its typical use is in technical and academic writings. Error is the wrong action, which is the result of the lack of knowledge or skill.
An action is considered as an error or produces an error if it is different from the rules, specific model or codes, etc. The violation of rules in sports or other practices will also be called an error. The term error is highly used in technical contexts, e.g., in scientific or highly technical terms. Like it is a collective term associated with computing and programming. It mainly refers to a mistake or fault, in coding and different processes. The term ‘System Error’ is very familiar to the ears although the word error is not used in casual conversations as it sounds odd.
Examples
- I do my homework. Error
- I do my homework. Correct
- This paper has several errors.
- He made an error of judgment.
- I received an error while opening the webpage.
What is a Mistake?
A mistake is a wrong action due to bad judgment, ignorance, or inattention. The word mistake is a noun, as well as a verb. The incorrect or inappropriate performance of a person can cause a mistake; however, it can be self-corrected. The word mistake is rooted in the old Norse word, ‘mistaka,’ ‘mis’ (wrong), and ‘taka’ (take) collectively meaning ‘wrongly taken.’ A mistake is a misguided or wrong judgment. A decision by someone who brought disastrous results would be considered a mistake.
Generally, it is said that humans are likely to make mistakes. A mistake is a wrongly made a choice and is usually accidental. But one must learn from one’s mistakes or try to improve or amend them if possible. The word mistake directs less formal and less technical wrongdoing. Its use is less formal and observed in casual conversations.
A mistake commonly refers to all such things or concepts that are not correct. Furthermore, someone does not commit mistakes only because of a lack of knowledge or skill, but persons with knowledge also make mistakes. It is because they unconsciously do the things in an inaccurate. In such a situation, carelessness is the most significant cause of a mistake. A person must identify his mistake.
Examples
- Her decision to sell the house was a big mistake.
- I realized that meeting him was a mistake.
- You make too many spelling mistakes.
- There is a mistake in this page.
- One should not repeat the mistakes.
Conclusion
Error and mistake are the two different words that are sometimes used as synonyms for each other. But both these words are different from one another based on the context of their usage.