What's the difference between 'to make an error' and 'to make a mistake'?

[Emanuil]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #72 "Synonyms for mistake and error", question 8

Your composition is full of ..........

(a) defects
(b) mistakes
(c) faults
(d) slips

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #72 "Synonyms for mistake and error", answer 8

Your composition is full of mistakes.

Correct answer: (b) mistakes
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Could you please explain the differences between two words mistake and error.

Emanuil

[Mister Micawber]

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Error etymologically implies deviation; it suggests culpability but not necessarily carelessness or intention, for it implies a guide to be followed such as a record or manuscript, or a rule or set of rules, or a principle, law, accepted code, or the like.

Mistake implies misconception, misunderstanding, a wrong but not always blameworthy judgement, or inadvertance; it expresses less severe criticism than error.

(Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms)

In spite of Webster's elegant effort to discriminate, the fact is that in most common cases, the words are synonymous.
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Harry Smiith]

[lost_soul]

Hi, Harry Smiith

Really, can't we?
AFAIK, we can

Mister Micawber, please, judge between us
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Alex

How much upchuck would a woodchuck upchuck if a woodchuck could upchuck ?

(a guy from Russia)

[Mister Micawber]

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[Harry Smiith]