First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1blunder
verb blun·der \ˈblən-dər\
: to move in an awkward or confused way
: to make a stupid or careless mistake
blun·deredblun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of BLUNDER
intransitive verb
1
: to move unsteadily or confusedly
2
: to make a mistake through stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness
transitive verb
1
: to utter stupidly, confusedly, or thoughtlessly
2
: to make a stupid, careless, or thoughtless mistake in
— blun·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
— blun·der·ing·ly \-d(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb
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Origin of BLUNDER
Middle English blundren, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse blunda to shut one's eyes, doze, Norwegian dialect blundra
Related to BLUNDER
2blunder
noun
: a bad mistake made because of stupidity or carelessness
Full Definition of BLUNDER
: a gross error or mistake resulting usually from stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness
See blunder defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BLUNDER
1693
Related to BLUNDER
Synonym Discussion of BLUNDER
error, mistake, blunder, slip, lapse mean a departure from what is true, right, or proper. 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>. mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error <dialed the wrong number by mistake>. blunder regularly imputes stupidity or ignorance as a cause and connotes some degree of blame <diplomatic blunders>. slip stresses inadvertence or accident and applies especially to trivial but embarrassing mistakes <a slip of the tongue>. lapse stresses forgetfulness, weakness, or inattention as a cause <a lapse in judgment>.
BLUNDERING Defined for Kids
1blunder
verb blun·der \ˈblən-dər\
blun·deredblun·der·ing
Definition of BLUNDER for Kids
1
: to move in a clumsy way
2
: to make a mistake
2blunder
noun
Definition of BLUNDER for Kids
: a bad or stupid mistake
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