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Erratum

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an error in printing or writing

Where does the word "erratum" come from? It comes from Latin errātum, adopted directly into English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
errātum
Latin · ancient
"mistake"
'a mistake', from 'errāre', to wander
2
Stage 2 of 2
erratum
English · 1580s
"printing error"
printers added lists of 'errata' at the ends of books to correct mistakes
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Read the full story

Erratum’s story begins in Latin: errātum meant “mistake.” 'a mistake', from 'errāre', to wander. It reached English by 1580s as erratum. Printers added lists of 'errata' at the ends of books to correct mistakes. Today, erratum means an error in printing or writing.