Definition of fallible

The origin of the word "fallible" can be traced back to the late 16th century, during the Renaissance period. The word is derived from the Latin adjective "fallibilis," which means "liable to error or omission." The word first appeared in the English language in the late 1500s, during a time when there was a renewed interest in classical Latin and Greek learning. The word was coined as a translation of the Latin word, both in its original Latin meaning and as a translation of the Greek word "apeirastos," meaning "incapable of mistake." In its original usage, "fallible" referred to something that was prone to errors or mistakes, particularly in regard to religious authorities, who were perceived as infallible by many during that time. However, as the use of the English language became more widely spread, the meaning of the word slowly expanded to apply to human beings in general, rather than just religious authorities. Today, the word "fallible" is commonly used to describe anything that is prone to mistakes or errors, particularly in legal, scientific, and political contexts, where the idea of infallibility is often criticized as unrealistic or unhelpful. In these contexts, the word is often contrasted with "infallible," to emphasize the importance and inevitability of error in human endeavors.