Usage and Pronunciation of accuser

Teacher Gu's English Class

Overview Meanings Pronunciation Usage Practice

accuser

/əˈkjuːzər/
Noun Legal term

Basic definition: A person who charges someone with wrongdoing or crime

Etymology: From Old French "acusour", from Latin "accusare" (to accuse)

📚 Core Meanings

Legal term

One who formally charges another with a crime

The accuser testified in court.
The plaintiff testified in court.
Legal

General usage

Anyone who makes an accusation

The accuser provided evidence.
The complainant provided evidence.
General

Historical context

Informer or prosecutor in historical contexts

Medieval accusers often acted anonymously.
Medieval informers often acted anonymously.
History

"Accuser" is commonly used in legal contexts but also appears in general speech when referring to someone making allegations. The term carries formal connotations.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The accuser filed charges yesterday.

Multiple accusers came forward with similar stories.

This accuser has remained anonymous.

Chinese Translation

The plaintiff filed charges yesterday.

Multiple complainants came forward with similar stories.

This informer has remained anonymous.

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

British Pronunciation

/əˈkjuːzə/

uh-KYOO-zuh

American Pronunciation

/əˈkjuːzər/

uh-KYOO-zer

Key Pronunciation Points:

Common Pronunciation Errors

  • Pronouncing as "a-CUE-ser" (should be /əˈkjuːzər/)
  • Putting stress on first syllable
  • Omitting the /z/ sound

🎯 Common Collocations

Accuser + legal terms

Legal context combinations

accuser in court
plaintiff in court
Legal

Anonymous + accuser

Describing unidentified accusers

anonymous accuser
anonymous complainant
Journalism

Multiple + accusers

Referring to several people making accusations

multiple accusers
multiple complainants
General

Grammar Notes

Singular: accuser
Plural: accusers

⚠️ Common Confusions

Don't confuse:

An accuser is always a lawyer. (Incorrect)

Correct:An accuser can be any person making an accusation.

Accuser means the same as witness. (Incorrect)

Correct:An accuser makes allegations, while a witness provides testimony.

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The accuser provided documentary evidence.
2. This accuser chose to remain anonymous.
3. Lawyers questioned the accuser's motives.

1. The plaintiff provided documentary evidence.

2. This complainant chose to remain anonymous.

3. Lawyers questioned the informer's motives.

Pronunciation Practice

Repeat after these sentences:

• The accuser spoke clearly. [əˈkjuːzər]
• An accuser came forward. [əˈkjuːzər]
• This accuser's identity is protected. [əˈkjuːzərz]

Error Correction

Find and correct errors:

1. An accuser is always a police officer.
2. Pronounced [æˈkjuːsər]
3. The accuser must be present at trial.

1. An accuser can be any person making an accusation.

2. Pronounced [əˈkjuːzər] (stress on second syllable)

3. The accuser doesn't necessarily need to be present at trial.