# erm

> English word · Interjection · IPA /ɜːm/ · frequency rank #21,789

## Definitions
1. Used in hesitant speech, or to express uncertainty.
2. Used to express embarrassment or subtle disagreement.

## Etymology
Onomatopoeic.

## Easily confused with
- **ex** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-ex)
- **et** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-et)
- **EU** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-eu)
- **ES** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-es)
- **EV** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-ev)
- **ew** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-ew)
- **ey** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-ey)
- **ez** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-ez)
- **eye** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-eye)
- **eve** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-eve)
- **est** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-est)
- **EVA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-eva)
- **err** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-err)
- **eta** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-eta)
- **ESA** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-esa)
- **eth** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-eth)
- **evo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-evo)
- **ERS** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-ers)
- **ESL** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-esl)
- **ETF** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erm-vs-etf)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/erm