accusing
adj. · v. · n.-
1 showing blame (adj.) B1 Intermediateshowing that you think someone has done something bad or illegal.
expressing or suggesting a belief in someone's guilt or wrongdoing through tone, gesture, or expression.
ExampleShe gave him an accusing look when she saw the broken vase on the floor.
ExampleThe prosecutor maintained an accusing tone throughout the cross-examination, pointedly highlighting the inconsistencies in the witness's timeline.
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes, such as 'look', 'tone', or 'finger'.
- accusatory
- reproachful
- critical
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2 blaming someone (v.) B1 Intermediatethe act of saying that someone has done something wrong.
the present participle of 'accuse', used to form continuous tenses or as a participle phrase.
ExampleThey are accusing him of stealing the money from the office safe.
ExampleBy accusing the board of negligence, the shareholders triggered a mandatory internal investigation into the company's financial practices.
UsageWhen used as a verb, it is typically followed by the preposition 'of'.
- defending
- exonerating
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3 the act of blaming (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe act of blaming someone or making an accusation.
the gerund form of the verb, representing the abstract act of making a charge or claim of wrongdoing.
ExampleConstant accusing will not help us solve the problem.
ExampleThe endless accusing between the two political factions made it impossible to reach a meaningful compromise on the budget.
UsageFunctions as the subject or object of a sentence.