intr.v., erred, err·ing, errs.
- To make an error or a mistake.
- To violate accepted moral standards; sin.
- Archaic. To stray.
[Middle English erren, from Old French errer, from Latin errāre, to wander.]
USAGE NOTE The pronunciation (ûr) for the word err is traditional, but the pronunciation (ĕr) has gained ground in recent years, perhaps owing to influence from errant and error, and must now be regarded as an acceptable variant. The Usage Panel was split on the matter: 56 percent preferred (ûr), 34 percent preferred (ĕr), and 10 percent accepted both pronunciations.
My high school English teacher's advice to always pronounce it "ur" was not wrong, but I've always thought that knowing the proper usage has been more detrimental to how people perceive me than beneficial. While 56% of English geeks know its correct pronunciation, the rest of the world thinks I'm making a stupid mistake. This probably means it's time to revise the pronunciation of the word, as this note backs up. Language is fluid and ever-changing. While I hate that fact (you'll pry apostrophes from my cold, dead hands), it's true nevertheless.
3 comments:
"forte" (pronounced "fort," not "fortay") is the one that bugs me.
also, you misspelled "while."
fixed.
I never knew forte was pronounced fort. You both had better give up on that one, because I'd rather not change. And if I didn't know about it already, it must not be important. ;)
Well-known literary references ("To Err is Human...") are more prone to guiding opinion than proper reference sources (a dictionary). Welcome to popular culture. Think about how many words have been modified in such ways due to who uses them or where they were seen. Far too few are likely to see if something is being said properly by looking in a dictionary.
Point of clarification: Forte is French and refers to a strong suit and the like. Forté is Italian for loud. So they (whomever "they" may be) aren't necessarily pronouncing it wrong - they're using the wrong word. If it really bugs you, reply with something like "So he/she is really loud at it?"
Personally, you'll never convince me that capital should ever be used to refer to government in place of capitol, especially with capital's association with money and/or wealth. Albeit the "Capital Beltway" around Washington, D.C. is aptly named.
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