Word
accused
“Accused” describes someone who is officially said to have committed a crime or wrongdoing.
Meanings
said to have done something wrong or illegal; charged or blamed
the person who has been charged with a crime in a court case
Definition
“Accused” usually refers to a person who has been charged or formally blamed for a crime in a legal context. It can also be used more generally for someone who is blamed for doing something wrong. It does not mean the person is guilty; it only means an allegation has been made.
Examples
- The accused sat quietly as the prosecutor outlined the timeline of events.
- She interviewed the accused in a controlled setting, careful not to assume guilt.
- They argued that the accused had been misidentified in the initial reports.
- I listened to the accused answer questions with measured, precise language.
Common mistake
Learners often use “accused” as if it means “guilty,” but it only means someone has been alleged or charged.
More at C1 level
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More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.