From Medieval Latin recriminatio, derived from recriminari ('to make a counter-accusation'), from Latin re- ('back, in return') and criminari ('to accuse'), from crimen ('charge, crime, accusation'). The word entered English in the 17th century, initially in legal contexts for a formal counter-charge, and later extended to any bitter exchange of mutual blame.
What does recriminations mean?
Recriminations are bitter counter-accusations — the act of blaming each other in return when both sides of a dispute accuse one another of wrongdoing. For example: 'after the project failed, there were fierce recriminations between the team members'.
What is the singular form of recriminations?
The singular form is recrimination. In everyday use, the plural recriminations is far more common, describing an exchange of mutual blame. The singular recrimination appears in formal or legal contexts for a specific counter-charge.
What is the difference between accusations and recriminations?
An accusation is a charge made against someone; it can be one-directional. Recriminations specifically implies mutual counter-accusations — both parties blaming each other in return. If only one side is accusing, you have accusations; when both sides trade blame, you have recriminations.
What does 'without recriminations' mean?
'Without recriminations' means without assigning blame or making counter-accusations — moving past a failure or conflict constructively. For example: 'we agreed to end the partnership without recriminations and wished each other well'.
Where does the word recrimination come from?
From Latin recriminari, meaning to make a counter-accusation, from re- (back, in return) and criminari (to accuse), rooted in crimen (charge, crime). It entered English in the 17th century in legal contexts, then broadened to everyday use.