The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

errant

IPA:

Dictionary definition of errant

Deviating from the expected or intended course, often implying a sense of wandering, straying, or going astray.
"The errant thought crossed her mind, making her reconsider her decision."

Detailed meaning of errant

It implies a sense of waywardness or deviation from what is considered normal, proper, or acceptable. Whether applied to objects, such as an errant ball that flies off course, or to individuals, like an errant child who wanders away from supervision, 'errant' suggests a departure from the prescribed or desired route, plan, or conduct. This term often conveys a notion of unpredictability or unexpectedness, indicating that the subject is not following the established order or rules.

Example sentences containing errant

1. The errant ball flew over the fence and into the neighbor's yard.
2. She scolded her errant dog for digging up the garden.
3. The errant driver swerved dangerously through traffic, causing chaos on the road.
4. An errant gust of wind scattered the papers all over the office.
5. The teacher reprimanded the errant student for disrupting the class.
6. He tried to catch the errant butterfly, but it fluttered away.

History and etymology of errant

The adjective 'errant' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin. It is derived from the Old French word 'errant,' which is the present participle of 'errer,' meaning 'to err' or 'to wander.' This Old French term was influenced by the Latin word 'errare,' which means 'to wander' or 'to go astray.' In its original usage, 'errant' described something or someone that was wandering or deviating from the intended course, often with a sense of aimlessness or straying from the path. Over time, this concept of wandering off course was extended metaphorically to describe actions, behaviors, or things that deviate from what is expected or intended, implying a sense of being in error or going astray. Thus, when we use 'errant' in modern English, it signifies something that is off course or has strayed from the expected or intended path.

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Further usage examples of errant

1. The errant email attachment contained a virus that infected the computer.
2. She searched for her errant keys, fearing they might be lost forever.
3. The errant cat knocked over a vase, shattering it into pieces.
4. He followed the errant footsteps in the snow to find the lost hiker.
5. The errant child wandered away from the playground, causing concern.
6. An errant gust of wind blew her hat off her head.
7. The errant basketball bounced off the backboard and into the hoop.
8. The errant member of the team consistently missed important meetings.
9. The errant satellite signal disrupted the TV broadcast.
10. The errant decision led to unexpected consequences for the company.
11. He apologized for his errant behavior and promised to do better.
12. The errant pencil rolled off the desk and onto the floor.
13. The errant alarm clock went off at the wrong time, causing him to oversleep.
14. The errant paintbrush stroke ruined the otherwise perfect artwork.