arrant vs errant :

arrant or errant

In modern English “arrant” is usually used to describe someone notorious, thoroughly shameless: an arrant villain, an arrant thief. It has a rather old-fashioned air to it, and is often used in antique phrases like “an arrant knave.”“Errant” is also an antique word, now used exclusively to mean “wandering,” especially in the phrase “a knight errant” (a wandering knight). As here, it usually follows the noun it modifies. Although you can argue that “arrant” also used to have this meaning, most readers will regard its use in this sense today not as learned, but as mistaken.

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Definitions

  • s  without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
    an arrant fool

  • s  straying from the right course or from accepted standards
    errant youngsters
  • s  uncontrolled motion that is irregular or unpredictable
    an errant breeze
News & Articles


  • NETFLIX FIX: 'The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys' promises to excite
    For some, faith is easy. Belief in a higher power comes naturally, and any errant thoughts that prod against that system are quickly dismissed. For others, faith is a little less black and white. Questions arise, beliefs are easily shaken, and the ability to reconcile faith and the tragedies of life becomes harder and harder.
    June 12, 2013 - The Victoria Advocate
  • Bristol Borough Council votes to reopen Memorial Field playground
    BRISTOL BOROUGH - The playground at Memorial Field has reopened after three borough coaches publicly refuted claims brought to the council floor by Councilman Tony Devine last month that a child playing on the equipment was nearly hit in the head by an errant home run.
    June 12, 2013 - Bristol Pilot
  • NETFLIX FIX: 'The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys' promises to excite
    For some, faith is easy. Belief in a higher power comes naturally, and any errant thoughts that prod against that system are quickly dismissed. For others, faith is a little less black and white. Questions arise, beliefs are easily shaken, and the ability to reconcile faith and the tragedies of life becomes harder and harder.
    June 12, 2013 - The Victoria Advocate