What does erratic mean Meaning and Definition
What does erratic mean?
Pronunciation
/ɪˈræktɪk/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Describing behavior, actions, or movements that are unpredictable, irregular, or uncontrolled, often in a way that is confusing or unsettling.
Examples
- Her erratic behavior made it difficult to trust her.
- The company’s erratic stock prices made investors nervous.
Synonyms
- Irregular
- Unpredictable
- Capricious
Antonyms
- Predictable
- Methodical
- Regular
Etymology
The word “erratic” comes from the Latin “erraticus”, meaning ” wandering” or “errant”, and is derived from the verb “errare”, meaning “to wander” or “to stray”.
Usage Notes
To describe someone’s behavior as erratic means that their actions are unpredictable and might change suddenly. It can also be used to describe a process or system that is irregular or unstable.
Cultural References
The term “erratic” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the novel “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath features a character with erratic behavior.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Erratic fluctuations
- Erratic behavior
- Erratic patterns
Related Words or Phrases
- Pervasive
- Absent-minded
- Whimsical
Collocations
- Erratic weather patterns
- Erratic stock market trends
- Erratic personal habits
Frequency of Use
The word “erratic” is commonly used in Modern English to describe unpredictable or irregular behavior, and can be found in various contexts, including literature, science, and everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Erroric
- Errorik
- Erritick