erroneous
What does "erroneous" mean?
"Erroneous" describes something that is based on or contains an error; it is a more precise and formal way of saying "wrong" or "incorrect." The mental image is of a path or a calculation that has veered away from the truth or the intended goal due to a fundamental mistake. It is typically used in academic, legal, or professional contexts rather than casual conversation. You would use it to critique data, assumptions, or legal judgments. It often collocates with nouns like "assumption," "belief," "judgment," or "information."
"erroneous" in conversation
Office critique
Your latest report contains several erroneous figures regarding our Q3 growth.
Your latest report contains several erroneous figures regarding our Q3 growth.
My apologies, I must have pulled the wrong dataset.
My apologies, I must have pulled the wrong dataset.
Used to point out a mistake in a professional document.
Academic debate
The professor argued that my thesis was based on an erroneous premise.
The professor argued that my thesis was based on an erroneous premise.
That sounds harsh. Did he explain why?
That sounds harsh. Did he explain why?
Used to discuss the logical foundation of an argument.
"erroneous" in a sentence
The witness provided erroneous information to the police.
The witness provided erroneous information to the police.
Scientists discovered that their initial hypothesis was based on erroneous data.
Scientists discovered that their initial hypothesis was based on erroneous data.
The judge dismissed the appeal, stating that the lower court's ruling was built upon an erroneous interpretation of the law.
The judge dismissed the appeal, stating that the lower court's ruling was built upon an erroneous interpretation of the law.
