erratum
LowFormal
Definition
Meaning
An error in a printed work, especially one listed in a subsequent correction.
A formal correction notice for an error in a book, article, or document. Can also refer, in its plural form 'errata', to a list of such corrections.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used primarily in academic, publishing, and formal written contexts. The singular is less common than the plural 'errata'. Implies a formal acknowledgment of a mistake in a published text.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the Latin form.
Connotations
Formal, scholarly, precise. Connotes a systematic approach to acknowledging errors.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to publishing, academia, and formal documentation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
An erratum in + [publication]An erratum for + [error/page]To issue/publish an erratumVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Slip in the print (informal equivalent concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might appear in formal corporate reports or legal documents where a correction is officially noted.
Academic
Common in published papers, journals, and monographs to formally correct errors post-publication.
Everyday
Extremely rare; native speakers would simply say 'correction' or 'typo'.
Technical
Used in publishing, library science, and formal documentation processes.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is not typically used at A2 level.
- The author found an erratum on page 45.
- The journal issued an erratum to correct the data in the original article.
- Scholars consulted the published erratum to ensure they were citing the correct figures from the seminal text.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ERRor in a documenTUM (like 'momentum') = ERRATUM. It's the formal word for a printed error.
Conceptual Metaphor
A formal record (like a legal notice) for an error.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ошибка' (general mistake). 'Erratum' is highly specific to printed/published works. The direct Russian equivalent is 'опечатка' or 'исправление', but 'erratum' carries a more formal, documented nuance.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in speech or informal writing. Using the singular where the plural 'errata' is more appropriate (e.g., 'There is an erratum' vs. the more common 'See the errata list').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'erratum' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic and publishing contexts.
They are largely synonymous in modern usage, both meaning a correction to a published text. 'Corrigendum' is slightly more formal and often used for errors that require correction, while 'erratum' is used for errors introduced by the publisher/author. In practice, they are interchangeable.
Use the plural 'errata' when referring to a list or multiple corrections. The singular 'erratum' is used for one specific, noted error, but seeing a standalone 'erratum' is less common than seeing 'an errata list' or 'the errata'.
No, 'erratum' is exclusively a noun. There is no verb form 'to erratum'. You would say 'to issue an erratum' or 'to publish a correction'.