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Accusatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿฝ
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accusatory

[ษ™หˆkjuหzษ™tษ”หri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a conversation

suggesting someone has done something wrong

Synonyms

blaming, censuring, condemnatory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accusatory

Use 'accusatory' in situations where someone is pointing out that another person might be guilty of something, often in a formal or serious way.

  • Her tone was accusatory when she asked where he had been all night.
  • The accusatory finger pointed directly at him.
blaming

Use 'blaming' in everyday situations where someone is holding another person responsible for a problem or mistake.

  • He is always blaming others for his own mistakes.
  • Instead of finding a solution, they kept blaming each other.
censuring

Use 'censuring' in formal or official contexts when someone is being formally reprimanded or criticized.

  • The senator faced censuring from his colleagues for his controversial remarks.
  • The school board issued a censuring statement against the principal.
condemnatory

Use 'condemnatory' when expressing strong disapproval or criticism, usually in a moral or ethical context.

  • There was a condemnatory tone in his voice when he spoke about the corrupt officials.
  • Her condemnatory remarks about the policy raised eyebrows at the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She gave him an accusatory look.
  • Her tone was accusatory.
Context #2 | Adjective

legal context

relating to or denoting an accusation

Synonyms

accusing, chargeable, incriminating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accusatory

This word is used to describe a tone or statement that implies someone has done something wrong or illegal.

  • His accusatory glance made her uncomfortable.
  • The teacher's accusatory question caught the student off guard.
accusing

This word is similar to 'accusatory' but can also describe facial expressions, gestures, or looks that imply blame.

  • She gave him an accusing stare.
  • His tone was suddenly sharp and accusing.
chargeable

This word is used in legal or formal contexts to describe someone or something that can be formally accused or held responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.

  • The actions of the employees were found to be chargeable offenses.
  • He was deemed chargeable for the damages caused.
incriminating

This term describes evidence or actions that suggest involvement in a crime or wrongdoing. It often refers to something that blames or implicates someone.

  • The police found incriminating evidence at the scene.
  • He made several incriminating statements during the interrogation.

Examples of usage

  • The accusatory statement was presented as evidence in court.
  • The accusatory letter was sent to the defendant.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Using accusatory language can increase defensiveness in communication, often leading to arguments.
  • Research in psychology shows that being accusatory can damage relationships, as it feels confrontational and can provoke negative emotions.
  • Counteracting accusatory language with 'I' statements can help express feelings without casting blame.

Literature

  • In many novels and plays, authors use accusatory dialogue to create tension and develop conflict between characters.
  • The term is common in detective fiction, where characters often unjustly accuse each other to build suspense.
  • Well-known works, like Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible', feature accusation as a central theme, exploring its societal effects.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict heated arguments filled with accusatory language, portraying its emotional impact on relationships.
  • Songs sometimes explore themes of betrayal and blame, using accusatory lyrics to convey feelings of hurt.
  • Reality TV shows often highlight accusatory conflicts for dramatic effect, showcasing real-life interpersonal tensions.

Origin of 'accusatory'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'accusare', which means 'to call to account' or 'to blame'.
  • It first appeared in English around the late 14th century, reflecting medieval legal practices.
  • The component 'ory' at the end indicates a quality of an action or condition, making the word descriptive of a manner of speaking.

The word 'accusatory' originates from the verb 'accuse', which comes from the Latin word 'accusare', meaning 'to call to account'. The suffix '-ory' is often used to form adjectives indicating a connection or relation to something. Therefore, 'accusatory' means pertaining to an accusation or suggesting blame. The word has been used in English since the 17th century.

See also: accusable, accusation, accusations, accused, accuser.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,845, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.