Blame

Definition

Blame is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to responsibility for a fault, mistake, or wrongdoing. As a verb, it means to assign responsibility or hold someone or something accountable for a fault or problem.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bleɪm/
• Respelling: blaym

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /bleɪm/
• Respelling: blaym

Etymology

The word "blame" originates from the Old French "blamer," meaning "to accuse" or "reproach," which in turn comes from the Latin "blasphemare," meaning "to speak ill of" or "revile." The term has been used in English since the 13th century, maintaining its meaning of assigning responsibility for a fault or mistake.

Derivatives

• Blameless (adjective)
• Blameworthy (adjective)
• Blamer (noun)
• Self-blame (noun)
• Blamingly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Accuse
• Fault
• Reproach

Antonyms

• Praise
• Exonerate
• Forgive

Usage

The noun "blame" is often used to indicate responsibility for a problem or wrongdoing. For example, "The blame for the accident fell on the driver." As a verb, it describes the act of holding someone accountable, as in "He blamed her for the error."

Related Terms

• Responsibility: The state or fact of being accountable for something.
• Fault: An error or defect for which someone may be blamed.
• Accusation: A claim or assertion that someone is at fault or responsible.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing: Refers to accountability for an error, mistake, or failure.
  • Example: "The manager took the blame for the project’s failure."

Verb

• To hold someone or something responsible for a fault or error: Describes the act of assigning responsibility for a negative outcome.
  • Example: "She blamed the weather for the delay."