Basic Details
Word: Fallible
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Capable of making mistakes or errors; not perfect.
Synonyms: Mistake-prone, imperfect
Antonyms: Infallible, flawless
Idioms and Phrases
- Fallible human: A phrase used to emphasise that all people can make mistakes. Example: "Even the smartest experts are fallible humans, capable of error."
- To err is human: A saying that means making mistakes is part of being human. Example: "He forgot his keys, but to err is human, and we all forget things sometimes."
Usage Examples
Example 1: No one is perfect; everyone is fallible and can make mistakes.
Example 2: The fallible nature of scientists means they are always learning and improving.
Example 3: She acknowledged that her decisions were fallible, and she hoped for forgiveness.
Fun Fact
The word "fallible" comes from the Latin word "fallibilis," which means "liable to err." This root word is related to "fallere," which means "to deceive," showcasing that all humans, regardless of knowledge or experience, can make mistakes.
Famous Quote
"To err is human; to forgive, divine." - Alexander Pope
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "fallible" mean?
a) Perfect
b) Capable of mistakes
c) Always correct
d) Smart
Answer: b) Capable of mistakes
2. Which of these is a synonym for "fallible"?
a) Infallible
b) Mistake-prone
c) Perfect
d) Accurate
Answer: b) Mistake-prone
3. What is an antonym of "fallible"?
a) Imperfect
b) Flawed
c) Infallible
d) Faulty
Answer: c) Infallible
4. Which sentence uses "fallible" correctly?
a) The fallible machine worked perfectly.
b) The fallible teacher never made mistakes.
c) Everyone is a fallible person who can make errors.
d) The fallible book had no spelling mistakes.
Answer: c) Everyone is a fallible person who can make errors.
5. Which idiom means that making mistakes is part of being human?
a) Fallible human
b) To err is human
c) A blank slate
d) As wise as an owl
Answer: b) To err is human
