ENGLISH
REFERENCE

erroneous

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ɛˈɹoʊniəs// UK //ɛɹˈəʊniəs// er·ro·neous Archaic

adj. wrong or based on a mistake. You use this word to describe information or ideas that are not correct.

adj. containing or derived from error; mistaken in fact or logic. Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe beliefs, data, or conclusions.


SIMPLE

The news report was based on erroneous information.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer argued that the jury reached their verdict based on erroneous evidence that should have been excluded.

COMPLEX

The scientific community eventually rejected the theory after several peer-reviewed studies proved that the initial calculations were erroneous due to a faulty sensor in the laboratory.

Origin

From late Middle English erroneous, from Middle French erroneux, from Latin erroneus.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'assumption', 'conclusion', or 'belief'.

Pitfall

He made an erroneous.He made an error.Erroneous is an adjective and must modify a noun; it cannot be used as a noun itself.

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