en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

"Blame" vs "accuse": understanding the difference

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 12/01/2025, 04:13
English.me team member
Blame and accuse. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "blame" and "accuse" involve attributing responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing to someone. They are used when holding someone accountable for a negative action or outcome.

What is different?

"Blame" is more general and can refer to attributing responsibility informally or without direct confrontation. "Accuse" is more specific and formal, often implying a direct claim or charge against someone, especially in legal or serious contexts.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for blame) and accuse

Examples of usage

Blame
  • She blamed the traffic for her lateness.
  • They blamed the coach for the team's loss.
  • He blames himself for not speaking up earlier.
Accuse
  • The prosecutor accused the defendant of fraud.
  • She was accused of breaking the company's policy.
  • They accused him of stealing the documents.

Recommended posts in Difference

"Steady" vs. "reliable": where they overlap and diverge

"Steady" vs. "reliable": where they overlap and diverge

"Steady" often relates to stability, firmness, or being unchanging, and ... Learn more →

Trimming the blather: "nonsense" vs. "poppycock"

Trimming the blather: "nonsense" vs. "poppycock"

The word "nonsense" is more commonly used and can be ... Learn more →

Unrolling the threads: "rug" vs. "carpet"

Unrolling the threads: "rug" vs. "carpet"

A "rug" typically covers a specific area and is smaller, ... Learn more →

"Forward" vs. "ahead": navigating words of direction and progress

"Forward" vs. "ahead": navigating words of direction and progress

While "forward" emphasizes movement towards a front position or a ... Learn more →