Accused – Definition and Part of Speech
The term accused generally refers to a person who has been charged or claimed to have done something wrong or illegal. It can function as an adjective or a past participle of the verb “to accuse.” When used as an adjective, it describes someone who is under suspicion or facing charges; as a past participle, it forms part of passive constructions related to accusation.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charged | Often used in legal contexts, implies formal indictment. | “The defendant was formally charged with fraud.” | Legal/Formal |
| Blamed | Suggests responsibility for something negative, not necessarily legal. | “She was blamed for the mishap at work.” | Informal/Casual |
| Indicted | Specifically refers to formal charges by a grand jury; highly legalistic. | “The businessman was indicted on multiple counts of embezzlement.” | Legal/Formal |
| Censured | Indicates disapproval or criticism, often in official contexts. | “The council censured the mayor for his actions during the scandal.” | Formal/Official |
| Denounced | Conveys strong public condemnation; less about formal accusation. | “The activists denounced the new policy as unjust.” | Public/Speech-Related |
Usage Notes
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Charged is predominantly used in legal and business contexts where formal allegations are made. It suits environments like courtrooms or corporate compliance settings.
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Blamed has a more informal tone and is suitable for everyday conversations when attributing fault or responsibility without legal implications.
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Indicted is reserved for serious legal situations, primarily within judicial systems in the U.S., where formal charges are brought against someone following investigation.
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Censured tends to be used in governmental or organizational contexts to express official disapproval. It implies a more formal rebuke than simply blaming.
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Denounced is appropriate when expressing strong public criticism or opposition, often seen in political or activist discourse.
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is using “accused” interchangeably with “denounced.” While both involve negative connotations, “accused” pertains more directly to legal or formal allegations. In contrast, “denounced” involves broader condemnation and protest without necessarily implying legal proceedings.
Another pitfall lies in confusing “charged” with “blamed,” as the former is strictly used within a formal or legal context, whereas the latter can be applied more broadly across different scenarios, even those lacking any legal framework.
Final Recap
The term accused has various synonyms that range from highly formal and specific to broad and informal. Key synonyms include:
- Charged: Formal indictment.
- Blamed: Casual attribution of fault.
- Indicted: Legal charges by a grand jury.
- Censured: Official disapproval or critique.
- Denounced: Public condemnation.
To improve your command over these nuances, try crafting sentences in different contexts using each synonym. This practice will help you understand the subtleties and appropriate applications of these terms in both writing and speech.