errand

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Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈerənd/
• American: EH-ruhnd

Origin

From Old English "ærende" meaning "message, mission," related to Old High German "ārunti" (message)

Meanings

1. A short trip taken to accomplish a specific purpose, typically to purchase or deliver something

   • "I need to run some errands - going to the post office and grocery store."

2. A commission or task given to a person to be carried out

   • "My boss sent me on an errand to deliver these documents."

Example Sentences

• "She spent her Saturday morning running errands around town."
• "Could you do me an errand and pick up my prescription?"
• "The new intern's first errand was to fetch coffee for everyone."
• "I have a list of errands to complete before the party tonight."

Related Words

• Verb forms: (usually used with "run") run errands
• Phrases:
  • run/do errands
  • send on an errand
  • fool's errand (a useless task or mission)

Synonyms

• task
• mission
• assignment
• commission
• chore
• job

Memory Tricks

• Think of "AIR-and" - like you're running through the air AND doing something
• Remember the phrase "run errands" - most errands involve running around to different places
• Think of it as "every-run" (errand) because it's about running to do everyday tasks