errand

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/ˈerənd/
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A small practical task, especially one that involves going somewhere, and more formally a mission or purpose.

Examples

  • The knight asked the stranger his errand.
  • Could you do a quick errand for me?
  • I need to run an errand before lunch.
  • The delivery was a simple errand, but traffic made it slow.
  • They soon realized the search was a fool's errand.

Similar words

mission
duty
task
commission
mission
chore
purpose
undertaking
job
assignment

Meanings

Short practical task

noun
everyday
neutral
A small task that usually involves going somewhere, such as buying, collecting, delivering, or arranging something.

Examples

  • I need to run an errand before lunch.
  • She stopped at the bank while doing errands.
  • Could you do a quick errand for me?
  • He was sent on an errand to the post office.
  • Saturday morning is usually for grocery shopping and other errands.
  • The delivery was a simple errand, but traffic made it slow.
  • I ran a few errands on my way home.

Similar words

Mission or purpose

noun
literary
formal
A purpose, message, or mission that someone is sent to carry out, now most common in set phrases and literary or formal use.

Examples

  • Trying to change his mind was a fool's errand.
  • The knight asked the stranger his errand.
  • She came on an errand of mercy.
  • His secret errand took him across the border.
  • The messenger refused to reveal his errand.
  • They soon realized the search was a fool's errand.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old English ǣrende, meaning message, mission, or business, from a West Germanic source. The older sense of a message or mission survives in formal and literary uses, while modern everyday English most often uses it for short practical tasks.

FAQ

What does errand mean?

An errand is a small practical task, usually one that involves going somewhere.

What does run an errand mean?

To run an errand means to go out and do a small task, such as buying something or picking something up.

Is errand countable?

Yes. You can say an errand, two errands, or some errands.

Do you say make an errand or run an errand?

The natural phrase is run an errand. Make an errand is not standard.

What is the difference between an errand and a chore?

A chore is any routine task. An errand usually involves going somewhere to do the task.

What does fool's errand mean?

A fool's errand is a task or effort that is pointless or almost certain to fail.

Can errand mean a mission?

Yes, but that sense is formal or literary in modern English.

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