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typographical error

typographical error

3 3.0
A small mistake in printed or typed text
  • noun
  • /ˌtaɪpəˈɡræfɪkəl ˈɛrər/
translation icon : error tipográfico
  • It was embarrassing to find a typographical error in the printed brochure after it had already been distributed.
  • typographical errors or outdated headings

Examples

  • The second form obtained by Williams appears identical, down to a typographical error in "through."

    Blog text (8)
  • One never knows what brief lapse, what seemingly insignificant mistake, or what innocent typographical error will undermine readers' faith in an author's work.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Sorry, actually, that was a typographical error, I was thinking of something else.

  • Do keep in mind to proofread your push launch for typographical errors before you send them out.

    Blog text (7)
  • Do not forget to proofread your press release for typographical errors just before you mail them out.

    Blog text (12)
  • I hand-typed this from Google Books, so any typographical errors are mine.

    Blog text (6)
  • Please don't hesitate to point out our mistakes, even the most minor typographical errors.

    Blog text (21)
  • 38. The typescript contains typographical errors and spelling mistakes.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Many books and writers have mistakes: grammar, spelling, factual, and typographical errors.

    Blog text (22)
  • The report had a typographical error that changed the meaning of the entire sentence.

Synonyms

typo
vstypographical error
48 2.3

A small mistake in typed or printed text, like a wrong letter

is the broader term covering such small errors and larger printing faults
misprint
vstypographical error
7 2.2

A mistake in a book or paper, for example a wrong letter

is a general label for errors from typing, setting, or printing processes
erratum
vstypographical error
  • Specialized
1 9.3

A printed note that corrects a mistake in a book or article

is the original error concept without emphasising correction notices
literal error
vstypographical error
  • Jargon
3.7

A mistake in printed text that happens during printing or typing

focuses on errors from typing, setting, or printing rather than content mistakes
typoglycemia error
vstypographical error
9.9

Letters inside words are mixed but the text is still easy to read

is a general printing or typing error, not limited to letter jumbling

How Serious

typographical error
3 3.0
misprint
7 2.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

typographical + error

The meaning 'an error in printed material' is directly and transparently derived from 'typographical' (pertaining to printed/typed matter) combined with 'error' (a mistake). This adjective-noun composition follows a standard compositional pattern with clear cross-linguistic equivalents, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Typographical error comes from old printing shops where workers set small metal letters, called type, by hand. If they put a wrong letter in or a letter fell out, the printed page showed an error, so today it means a small mistake in printed or typed text.