blunder

Frequently Asked Questions About blunder

How does the noun blunder differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of blunder are error, lapse, mistake, and slip. While all these words mean "a departure from what is true, right, or proper," blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame.

diplomatic blunders

When might error be a better fit than blunder?

The synonyms error and blunder are sometimes interchangeable, but error suggests the existence of a standard or guide and a straying from the right course through failure to make effective use of this.

procedural errors

Where would lapse be a reasonable alternative to blunder?

The meanings of lapse and blunder largely overlap; however, lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause.

a lapse in judgment

When is mistake a more appropriate choice than blunder?

The words mistake and blunder are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error.

dialed the wrong number by mistake

When can slip be used instead of blunder?

While in some cases nearly identical to blunder, slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes.

a slip of the tongue