Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state or condition of being erroneous or containing errors; fallibility as demonstrated by making mistakes or having a tendency to err. This meaning focuses on the inherent capacity for error.
   • (In Christian theology) The condition of holding beliefs or doctrines that are considered incorrect or deviating from officially accepted teachings, especially from the dogma of papal infallibility. This is a specific theological term.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist acknowledged the errancy of all human observation and insisted on rigorous verification. (This illustrates the general concept of fallibility.)
  • The theological debate centered on the errancy of certain biblical interpretations. (This shows its use in a doctrinal context.)
  • He wrote a paper discussing the historical errancy of the church on that particular issue. (This demonstrates its application to institutional doctrine.)

Advanced Usage

• "Doctrinal errancy": specifically refers to error in matters of religious doctrine.

  • The council was convened to address accusations of doctrinal errancy.

• "Admit to errancy": to confess or acknowledge that one's views or statements were mistaken.

  • In a rare move, the scholar publicly admitted to errancy in his earlier conclusions.

Variants and Related Words

• Err (verb): to make a mistake or be incorrect.
  • To err is human.
• Errant (adj): straying from the proper course, standard, or mistaken. Often used in "errant knight" (a knight wandering in search of adventure) or "errant judgment" (a mistaken judgment).
• Erroneous (adj): wrong; incorrect.
  • The report was based on erroneous data.

Synonyms

• Fallibility: liability to make mistakes or be wrong.
• Incorrectness: the quality or state of being wrong.
• Heresy (specific to the theological sense): belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine.

Antonyms

• Inerrancy: (especially in theology) the quality of being without error, particularly used regarding the Bible.
• Infallibility: the quality of being incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.

Noun

1. fallibility as indicated by erring or a tendency to err
2. (Christianity) holding views that disagree with accepted doctrine; especially disagreement with papal infallibility
   • he denies the errancy of the Catholic Church