What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accused
Example
The accused was found guilty of the crime. [accused: noun]
Example
He was accused of stealing the money from the cash register. [accused: verb]
defendant
Example
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. [defendant: noun]
Example
She hired a lawyer to defend her as the defendant in the case. [defendant: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accused is more commonly used than defendant in everyday language, as it can be used in a broader range of contexts. However, defendant is more specific and commonly used in legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accused and defendant?
Defendant is a more formal term than accused, as it is primarily used in legal settings and has a more neutral connotation.
