inexactitude

Everyday

1. (formal) Being not exact or not correct; a small mistake: inexactitude in the measurements. tree →
2. (formal, euphemism, joking) «terminological inexactitude» = a lie; a polite, funny way of saying someone has not told the truth. tree →

In the lessons

In science and maths inexactitude is error in measuring; in old political speech «a terminological inexactitude» is a famous joking euphemism for a lie. Phrases: «a terminological inexactitude», «inexactitude in measurement».

Examples

• The scientist pointed out an inexactitude in the results. tree →
• Small inexactitudes in measuring made the shelves crooked. tree →
• The politician was accused of a terminological inexactitude — in other words, a lie. tree →
• Rounding causes some inexactitude. tree →
• There was inexactitude in the old map. tree →
• His story contained a few inexactitudes. tree →

Note

Very formal and rare; in plain talk «mistake», «error» or «inaccuracy». Opposite: exactitude (exactness). In maths, rounding 3.7 to 4 brings an inexactitude of 0.3.