Accusatory
/əˈkjuːzəˌtɔːri/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Accusatory means showing or expressing blame or suspicion toward someone. It is often used to describe a tone of voice, a look, or words that make someone feel like they are being blamed for something.
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See It in Action
Showing blame or suspicion in tone or expression
- •She gave him an accusatory look when he arrived late.
- •His voice was accusatory as he asked why the report was missing.
- •The teacher’s accusatory tone made the student feel nervous.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'accusatory' like 'blaming,' but it is a way of speaking or looking, not just saying 'you did it.'
- ✓Picture someone pointing their finger or raising their eyebrows in a way that makes you feel they think you did something wrong.
- ✓It’s the feeling you get when someone’s voice sounds sharp or cold, as if they want to catch you doing something bad.
- ✓Sounds like 'a-QUEUE-zuh-tory' → imagine a long line (queue) where people are waiting to point fingers at someone.
- ✓Think of detective stories where a character looks at another with suspicion, trying to find who did the crime.
- ✓NOT like 'friendly' (kind and warm) — accusatory is cold and makes people feel uncomfortable.
- ✓NOT like 'questioning' (just asking) — accusatory suggests you already think the person is guilty.
- ✓NOT like 'neutral' (no feelings) — accusatory shows clear blame or suspicion.
Try Other Words
- •Blaming: showing or saying someone is at fault (Use when you want to say the person is responsible clearly)
- •Suspicious: showing doubt or mistrust (Use when you are unsure but think something is wrong)
- •Critical: expressing disapproval or judgment (Use when focusing on faults, not just blame)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "accuse" (to say someone did something wrong) + suffix "-atory" (makes an adjective meaning "related to or showing")
- •Etymology: From Latin "accusare," meaning "to call to account or blame"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to describe language or behavior that shows blame
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe looks, tones, or words that make someone feel blamed or suspected
Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel when someone speaks to you in an accusatory way? Can it change how you respond?
•Can accusatory language help solve problems, or does it usually make situations worse?
Fill in the blanks
1.When she spoke in an accusatory tone, it made the room feel ___ tense and uncomfortable.
2.An accusatory look often makes people feel ___ and want to explain themselves.
3.Unlike a curious question, an accusatory question shows the speaker already ___ the person.
4.People often use accusatory words when they want to ___ someone for a mistake.
5.The manager’s accusatory voice was ___ by the employees as unfair and harsh.
6.When someone uses accusatory language, it usually ___ a defensive reaction.
7.If a friend gives you an accusatory stare, they might think you ___ something wrong.