errant

[ˈɛrənt]

errant Definition

  • 1straying from the proper course or standards
  • 2traveling in search of adventure

Using errant: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "errant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The errant child was scolded by his mother.

  • Example

    The company's errant policies led to a decline in profits.

  • Example

    The knight went on an errant quest to find the Holy Grail.

errant Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for errant

Idioms Using errant

  • a thought that is out of place or inappropriate

    Example

    I couldn't help but laugh at the errant thought that crossed my mind during the serious meeting.

  • a pattern of behavior that is unacceptable or deviates from societal norms

    Example

    He finally realized the error of his errant ways and decided to turn his life around.

  • a knight who goes on a quest or adventure

    Example

    The story of King Arthur features many errant knights seeking adventure and glory.

Phrases with errant

  • a husband who is unfaithful to his wife

    Example

    She divorced her errant husband after discovering his affair.

  • an apostrophe that is used incorrectly, often in plural forms or possessive pronouns

    Example

    The sign read 'Apple's for sale' with an errant apostrophe.

  • a shot that misses its intended target

    Example

    The archer's errant shot hit a tree instead of the bullseye.

Origins of errant

from Old French 'errant', present participle of 'errer', meaning 'to travel, wander'

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Summary: errant in Brief

'Errant' [ˈɛrənt] describes straying from proper standards or behavior, as in 'The company's errant policies led to a decline in profits.' It can also mean traveling in search of adventure, as in 'The knight went on an errant quest to find the Holy Grail.' Phrases like 'errant husband' and idioms like 'errant ways' extend the term to describe patterns of behavior that deviate from societal norms. 'Errant' has a negative connotation and is often used in formal contexts.