What Does the Word Indictment Mean?
Although the root "dict" means "say" or "declare," the word "indictment" is actually derived from the root "dite" meaning "to say" in Old French. An indictment is a formal accusation or charge of a serious crime, typically presented by a grand jury and requiring a trial. It is a legal term that refers to the act of officially charging someone with a crime, usually a felony, based on evidence presented by a prosecutor. An indictment is not a verdict of guilt, but rather a formal statement of the charges against the accused, who will have an opportunity to defend themselves in court. So while the root "dict" may have a similar meaning, it is not directly related to the word "indictment."
Do you now understand the meaning of the word "indictment"?
Yes, the word "indictment" is a formal accusation or charge of a serious crime, typically presented by a grand jury and requiring a trial. It is derived from the root "dite" meaning "to say" in Old French, not directly related to the root "dict" meaning "say" or "declare."