Blame - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Blame is the act of holding someone responsible for a fault or mistake. It involves assigning accountability, often with criticism or disapproval, for an error or wrongdoing.
Definition:
To hold someone responsible for a fault or wrong.
Synonyms:
accuse, fault, condemn, criticize
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
praise, absolve
Common Collocations:
assign blame, shift blame, take the blame, lay blame on
Derivatives:
blameless, blamer
Usage Tips:
Use "blame" to assign responsibility for a mistake or problem; avoid overusing it to prevent sounding accusatory.
Common Phrases:
blame game, shoulder the blame, put the blame on
Etymology:
From Old French *blasmer*, meaning "to rebuke," ultimately from Latin *blasphemare* ("to reproach").
Examples:
- 1. She didn’t want to blame anyone for the mistake.
- 2. He always tries to shift the blame onto others.
- 3. Don’t blame yourself for what happened—it wasn’t your fault.
- 4. The report placed the blame on poor management.