Blame
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Definitions
- Verb: To assign responsibility for a fault or wrong; to accuse or reproach.
- Noun: Responsibility for a fault or wrong.
Usage Examples
- "He was blamed for the delay in the project."
- "She took the blame for the error, even though it wasn't entirely her fault."
- "It’s not fair to blame someone for something they didn’t do."
Etymology
Derived from Middle English "blamen," from Old French "blamer" (meaning "to censure or reproach"), from Late Latin "blasphemare" (meaning "to speak ill of"). The word entered English around the 14th century, and its meaning has evolved to refer to the act of assigning fault or responsibility.
Synonyms
- Accuse
- Censure
- Reproach
- Fault
- Condemn
Antonyms
- Excuse
- Pardon
- Forgive
- Absolve
- Vindicate
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| Spanish | culpar | kool-PAR |
| French | blâmer | blah-MAY |
| German | beschuldigen | be-shool-DEE-gen |
| Italian | incolpare | in-kol-PAH-reh |
| Portuguese | culpar | kool-PAR |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 责怪 (Zéguài) | zuh-gwye |
| Japanese | 非難する (Hinan suru) | hee-nan soo-roo |
| Korean | 비난하다 (Binanhada) | bee-nan-ha-da |
| Russian | обвинять (Obvinyat) | ob-vee-NYAT |
| Arabic | يلوم (Yaloom) | ya-LOOM |
| Hindi | दोषी ठहराना (Doshi thaharana) | do-shee tha-ha-ra-na |
| Bengali | অভিযোগ করা (Abhijog kora) | ab-hi-jog ko-ra |
| Marathi | दोषी ठरवणे (Doshi tharavane) | do-shi tha-ra-va-ne |
| Tamil | குற்றம்சாட்டுதல் (Kutram chattuthal) | kut-ram cha-tthu-thal |
| Telugu | పరీక్షించు (Parikshinchu) | pa-rik-shin-chu |
| Kannada | ಊರಹೋಗು (Oorahogu) | oo-ra-ho-gu |
| Gujarati | દોષી કહેવું (Doshi kehvu) | do-shee keh-voo |
| Punjabi | ਦੋਸ਼ੀ ਕਹਿਣਾ (Dōśī kahaṇā) | do-shee ka-ha-na |
| Malayalam | പിഴവു (Pizhavu) | pi-zha-voo |
| Odia | ଦୋଷୀ କହିବା (Doṣī kahibā) | do-shee ka-hi-ba |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "blame" tends to be relatively uniform across most English dialects. However, some regional accents may emphasize different syllables, such as the northern British accent, which often places more stress on the "b" sound, whereas southern accents might have a slightly softer articulation.
Historical Usage
The term "blame" has been used in English since the late 14th century. Its use primarily stemmed from the legal and moral frameworks of medieval Europe, where blame was attributed as part of societal accountability, both in religious and civic contexts. The word "blame" was often linked to punishment and justice during this period.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, the concept of blame is tied to justice and social order. The idea of blaming someone for a wrongdoing often involves moral judgment and has deep implications in both personal relationships and formal systems like law and government. In some cultures, blame is seen as a mechanism for accountability, while in others, avoiding blame or shame can be a more critical cultural value.
More Information
The word "blame" holds significant cultural, ethical, and psychological weight. It is often used to describe a situation where fault is assigned, whether fairly or not. In modern usage, "blame" can be associated with guilt, responsibility, or accountability. It also plays a central role in legal and ethical discussions, often marking a boundary between innocence and culpability. Understanding how blame is perceived across cultures can deepen our understanding of human behavior and societal norms.