Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Language / Words / Difference Between Error and Mistake

Difference Between Error and Mistake

January 25, 2011 Posted by Admin

Error vs Mistake
 

Since error and mistake are two very frequently used words and people often use them interchangeably, though they have slightly different meanings, it is important to know the difference between error and mistake. Both terms refer to something done incorrectly due to personal misjudgment or inattention, but they are used in different situations, to be more fitting. The word error is only used as a noun in sentences. Mistake, on the other hand, is used as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is an irregular verb. Error is also used in the sense of mistake. Therefore, it is interesting to find out the difference between error and mistake.

What is an Error?

Error can be defined as an act that had been performed as a result of bad judgment. It is a deviation from accuracy or correctness or can even be defined as the holding of mistaken opinions. This word is used in formal situations and is mostly used in written language. Error is a term that is often used with regard to computing and programming problems since it is more technical than casual.

Look at the following examples.

It was an error of judgment that led to his downfall.

You do not speak in this manner. However, you can find these types of sentences used in books and such pieces of writings. That is because error is a word that is used more in written language.

I don’t know what is wrong with my computer. An error message keeps on popping when I try to print.

Here, in this sentence, the word error is meant to be computer error. You never say computer mistake. It is always a computer error.

Difference Between Error and Mistake

What is a Mistake?

A mistake can be defined as a misguided or wrong judgment, opinion or act. It is a term that is used in day to day life for such acts. A common example taken from day to day life is mistaking salt for sugar. A mistake is a wrongful act that has occurred due to the ignorance of a person and is often unintentionally done so. The term mistake is a word that is used more often in spoken English as it is not seen to be often used in formal English. Following is an example for the use of mistake.

My mistake! I mistook my umbrella for yours. Sorry!

In this sentence, the speaker says my mistake which is a commonly used phrase in such situations. Also, you can see how the verb mistake is used in the past tense for this sentence.

Mistake

What is the difference between Error and Mistake?

Error and mistake are two words that imply a wrongful deed often done unintentionally. Although used in different contexts, they can at times be used interchangeably as they both refer to the same concept more or less.

The word error is used in formal language. Mistake is a word that is used in everyday parlance. Error is used with regards to technical issues. Mistake is not used in reference to such matters.

Summary:

Error vs Mistake

• Mistake is used in terms of an incorrect action, opinion or judgment. It is also used to express misunderstanding: for example, “I have mistaken you.”

• Error is a mistake that causes problems or affects the result of something and is used in formal contexts.

• Both these terms can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.

 

Further Reading:

  1. Difference Between Exception and Error
  2. Difference Between Misrepresentation and Mistake
Images By:Duncan Hull (CC BY 2.0)

Related posts:

Difference Between Life and LiveDifference Between Life and Live Difference Between Conservation and Preservation Difference Between Apprehension and Comprehension Difference Between Estar and SerDifference Between Estar and Ser Difference Between Fraud and Theft

Filed Under: Words Tagged With: Error, error and mistake, Error Definition, mistake, Mistake Definition

About the Author: Admin

Coming from Engineering cum Human Resource Development background, has over 10 years experience in content developmet and management.

Comments

  1. dcntprncz says

    March 9, 2013 at 11:08 am

    thanx………..good elaboration….keep it up…………

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between Bioethics and Medical Ethics

Difference Between Bioethics and Medical Ethics

Difference Between Rubber and Plastic

Difference Between Rubber and Plastic

Difference Between Git and Github

Difference Between Git and Github

What is the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Band Gap

What is the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Band Gap

Difference Between Encystment and Excystment

Difference Between Encystment and Excystment

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between Penta and Hexa Vaccine
  • What is the Difference Between Vital and Supravital Staining
  • What is the Difference Between Post Transcriptional and Post Translational Modification
  • What is the Difference Between Gingelly Oil and Sesame Oil
  • What is the Difference Between Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Truncus Arteriosus
  • What is the Difference Between Lagophthalmos and Ptosis
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.