Erratum is a misprint, whereas the majority of Errata mostly refer to an addendum (supplement, appendix) to a document which informs the reader of these misprints. As a rule, the errors, which are recorded and documented by such errata, are corrected in a next edition of the printed product. Errata are also referred to as corrigenda and proofreading. They have been used as a side dish since the 16th century.
The term is derived from Latin (erratum) and can be translated with errors. Thus, the translation of the word already refers to what is at issue: namely, an error [in a printed matter]. However, since such a correction directory is usually a plurality of errors in the printed product, the singular (singular), rather than the plural (plural) has established itself as a designation.
Errata as a supplement in the book, which is usually located between the front cover and book block
The figure above shows the approximate position of the errata in a printed book. In most cases, such corrections are placed between the front cover, the book cover, and the book block, so that the consumer can already see after opening the book that there are errors in the following, which must be taken into account in the subsequent reading.
Use of Errata
In principle, correction lists are intended to inform the reader of the errors which are present in the respective printing unit. However, it is not common to point out every little thing. Insignificant details are usually corrected without mention in the next edition.
This means that Errata is used mainly in scientific publications, whereas simple typography or spelling mistakes in the literature of literature (fiction) are simply improved later. They are therefore only used in important cases.
This may, for example, be due to typing errors that lead to misunderstandings, incorrect information in a textual text, as well as serious errors that destroy the meaning and content of a passage. In Erratum, the Errata is mostly an addendum (supplement, appendix) to a document which informs the reader of these misprints. As a rule, the errors, which are recorded and documented by such errata, are corrected in a next edition of the printed product. Errata are also referred to as corrigenda and proofreading. They have been used as a side dish since the 16th century.
Short overview: The most important overview
Errata is used as a supplement to the printed matter, which indicate errors and misinformation of the respective publication. Accordingly, such corrections belong to the Addenda, that is, to the supplements and additions of a document.
However, it is not customary to document all errors, but only serious ones that could lead to misunderstandings, thus distorting the meaning of a passage.
Note: Synonymous, the word Corrigendum (lat. To Correct) is used. However, such corrigenda mean all the errors of the work and not just those that are specified in the correction list. They are often named in the next edition.