When a Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) declaration includes a property with a value the browser cannot interpret, it is considered erroneous. For example, setting `color: nonsensical-purple;` would result in an error because `nonsensical-purple` is not a valid color value. The browser will ignore the entire declaration containing the incorrect value, preventing that specific style from being applied.
Correct syntax is fundamental to website styling. Errors prevent styles from rendering as intended, leading to visual inconsistencies and a degraded user experience. Browsers’ error-handling mechanisms, including ignoring invalid declarations, have evolved alongside CSS itself, contributing to more robust web development practices. Understanding these mechanisms empowers developers to diagnose and fix styling issues efficiently. Ultimately, valid CSS ensures predictable rendering and contributes to a more accessible and consistent web.