Blamelessly is a word that is used to describe a situation or an action that is free from blame or guilt. It is a term that is often used in legal contexts, where it is important to establish whether or not someone is responsible for a particular action or event. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of blamelessly, its origins, and how it is used in different contexts.
Definitions
Blamelessly is an adverb that describes an action or situation that is free from blame or guilt. It is often used to describe a person who is innocent of wrongdoing, or a situation where no one can be held responsible for a particular event. Blamelessly can also be used to describe an action that is carried out without any intention to cause harm or damage.
Origin
The word blamelessly is derived from the Middle English word ‘blameles’, which means ‘without blame’. The word has been in use since the 14th century, and its meaning has remained largely unchanged over the centuries.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Blamelessly is defined in different dictionaries as an adverb that describes a situation or action that is free from blame or guilt. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as ‘in a manner that is free from blame or guilt’, while Merriam-Webster defines it as ‘in a manner that is without fault or guilt’.
Associations
Blamelessly is often associated with innocence, righteousness, and purity. It is a term that is used to describe a person who has not committed any wrongdoing, or a situation where no one can be held responsible for a particular event. Blamelessly is also associated with fairness and justice, as it implies that no one should be punished or held accountable for something that they did not do.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of blamelessly include innocently, faultlessly, impeccably, perfectly, and irreproachably. These words all describe a situation or action that is free from blame or guilt.
Antonyms
Antonyms of blamelessly include guiltily, faultily, imperfectly, and reproachfully. These words describe a situation or action that is not free from blame or guilt.
The same root words
The word blamelessly is derived from the Middle English word ‘blameles’, which is a combination of the words ‘blame’ and ‘less’. The word ‘blame’ comes from the Old French word ‘blasmer’, which means ‘to criticize’, while the word ‘less’ comes from the Old English word ‘leas’, which means ‘without’. Therefore, the root words of blamelessly are ‘blame’ and ‘less’.
Example Sentences
- The defendant was found blamelessly innocent of all charges.
- She carried out her duties blamelessly and with great professionalism.
- The accident was caused blamelessly by a mechanical failure.
- He lived his life blamelessly, always striving to do what was right.
- The investigation concluded that no one could be blamed blamelessly for the incident.