Meaning & use
erroneously
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Meaning
adverbformal
In a way that is based on a mistake; incorrectly.
Grammar: Modifies a verb or whole clause: 'He erroneously believed...'
Patterns
- erroneously believe
- erroneously assume
- erroneously report
- erroneously state
The newspaper erroneously reported that the store was closing.
She erroneously assumed the meeting was on Tuesday.
The data was erroneously entered into the system.
Common combinations
- erroneously believe
- Many people erroneously believe that lightning never strikes twice.
- erroneously assume
- He erroneously assumed that everyone had already left.
- erroneously report
- The article erroneously reported the number of victims.
- erroneously attribute
- The quote is erroneously attributed to Shakespeare.
Synonyms and how they differ
- wrongly
- More everyday and general; 'erroneously' is more formal and often suggests a factual mistake.
- mistakenly
- Very close in meaning, but can also suggest a misunderstanding rather than a factual error.
- incorrectly
- Focuses on something being wrong; 'erroneously' often implies a false belief or report.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: erroneously or erroneous?
erroneously vs erroneous
An adjective, not an adverb: 'an erroneous belief'. Use 'erroneously' to modify a verb: 'He erroneously believed.'
Practice
Choose the correct word: The report ______ stated that the event was canceled.
Choose one answer.
The adverb 'erroneously' modifies the verb 'stated'. 'Erroneous' is an adjective and would need a noun, e.g. 'an erroneous statement'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “erroneously”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.