accusation
Accusation (noun) means a claim that someone has done something wrong. Example: “He denied the accusation that he had lied to investors.”
How to use accusation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA statement claiming someone is guilty of something.
Word forms
accusations plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He denied the _____ that he had lied to investors.
Etymology
First attested in the late 14th century. Inherited from Middle English accusacion, borrowed from Old French acusacion (French: accusation), from Latin accūsātiō (“accusation, indictment”), from accūsō (“blame, accuse”). Doublet of accusatio. More at accuse. Equivalent to accuse + -ation.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for accusation
Frequently asked questions
What does “accusation” mean?
The word “accusation” means a claim that someone has done something wrong. In plain terms, a statement claiming someone is guilty of something.
How do you pronounce “accusation”?
“Accusation” is pronounced ak-yuu-ZAY-shn (/ˌæk.jʊˈzeɪ.ʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).
How do you use “accusation” in a sentence?
Here is “accusation” used in a sentence: “He denied the accusation that he had lied to investors.”
What is another word for “accusation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accusation” include allegation, assertion, censure, charge, crimination and detection.
What part of speech is “accusation”?
“Accusation” is a noun.
Is “accusation” a common word?
“Accusation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an accusation and a conviction?
An accusation is simply a claim that someone has done something wrong; it carries no legal weight on its own. A conviction, by contrast, is a formal legal finding of guilt reached after a trial, meaning the claim has been proven to the required standard.
What is the difference between an accusation and an allegation?
Accusation and allegation are very close in meaning and often used interchangeably, both referring to an unproven claim that someone did something wrong. Allegation is somewhat more common in formal legal or journalistic writing, while accusation is used equally in everyday speech.
Does making an accusation prove that someone is guilty?
No, an accusation is only a claim that someone has done something wrong, not proof that they actually did it. Guilt has to be separately established, for example through investigation or a legal proceeding, before an accusation can be treated as fact.