Definition

In a way that suggests someone has done something wrong or is to blame.

Example

She looked at him accusingly after he broke the vase.

Conversation

Did you see how she looked at me during the meeting?

Yeah, I thought she was staring a bit accusingly at you.

I know, right? It made me really uncomfortable.

Maybe she was just having a bad day, but it definitely felt weird.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Accusingly → It is formed from "accuse" (from Latin "accusare", meaning to call to account or to blame) and the suffix "-ingly" (indicating a manner of doing something). The word "accusingly" means in a manner that expresses blame or accusation.

Memory Tip

Think of someone expressing blame or calling someone to account when they act 'accusingly' — that's why it means to do something in a blaming manner.

Visually Confused Words