“Indict” and “indite” are homophones—words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. Despite their similar pronunciation, they are used in very different contexts. This lesson will clarify the meanings of each term and provide examples to demonstrate their correct usage.
Indict
Definition:
“Indict” means to accuse or formally charge someone with a crime. It is a legal term used when someone is officially charged with a serious offense by a grand jury or other legal authority.
Examples of use:
“The grand jury is going to indict the suspect this week for the alleged embezzlement.”
“The prosecutor decided to indict the company’s CEO for fraud after gathering sufficient evidence.”
“If the evidence is compelling, the court will likely indict the accused on multiple charges.”
Indite
Definition:
“Indite” means to compose or put something into writing, especially in a formal or literary context. It is an older, less commonly used term that typically refers to the act of writing or composing.
Examples of use:
“Our boss seldom uses a writer to help indite his speeches, preferring to draft them himself.”
“The poet was known to indite verses that captured the beauty of the natural world.”
“She took the time to indite a heartfelt letter to her mentor, expressing her gratitude.”
“Indict” is a legal term meaning to formally charge someone with a crime, while “indite” refers to the act of composing or writing something, often with a formal or literary tone. Knowing the difference between these two terms ensures their proper use in legal and literary contexts.
