accusatory

/ə,kju:zə'tɔ:riəl/ Cách viết khác : (accusatory) /ə'kju:zətəri/

Thân thiện

His accusatory finger pointed directly at the other person.

Definition

Adjective: - Containing or expressing an accusation: Describing a manner, tone, or look that directly or indirectly blames someone for a fault or wrongdoing. It implies assigning guilt or responsibility.

Usage and Examples

The word "accusatory" is used to describe something (like a statement, question, look, or tone) that accuses someone.

• (Her look silently blamed him for being late.)
• (The tone of the article implied the company was at fault.)
• (Such questions directly assign blame.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• Implied Accusation: Often, what is "accusatory" is not a direct statement like "You did it," but an implication. A raised eyebrow, a pointed silence, or a carefully phrased question can all be accusatory.
• Formality: "Accusatory" is more formal than simply saying "blaming." It is commonly used in written English, journalism, and formal descriptions of behavior or tone.

Variants and Related Words

• Accuse (verb): To charge someone with an offense or fault.
• Accusation (noun): A charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.
• Accusingly (adverb): In a manner that expresses blame.

Synonyms

• Condemnatory: Expressing strong disapproval, often suggesting a judgment has been made.
• Incriminating: Serving to suggest or prove someone's involvement in a crime.
• Recriminatory: Involving counter-accusations (a more specific, mutual form of accusation).

Antonyms

• Exonerating: Officially absolving someone from blame.
• Complimentary: Expressing praise or approval.
• Defensive: Intended to defend or justify, rather than to attack or accuse.

Idioms and Common Phrases

While there is no common idiom built directly on the word "accusatory," the concept is central to many expressions: - "Point the finger at (someone)": To accuse or blame someone. Example: Instead of working together, everyone just started pointing fingers. - "A look that could kill": An extremely angry or accusatory look. Example: She gave him a look that could kill when he interrupted her presentation.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. containing or expressing accusation
   • an accusitive forefinger
   • black accusatory looks
   • accusive shoes and telltale trousers- O.Henry
   • his accusing glare

Từ đồng nghĩa

• accusative
• accusing
• accusive