Defendent vs. Defendant — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 20, 2024
"Defendent" is incorrect; the correct spelling is "Defendant," referring to a person or entity accused or sued in a legal proceeding.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Defendent or Defendant
How to spell Defendant?
Defendent
Incorrect Spelling
Defendant
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Focus on the root "defend" and add "ant" to form "defendant."
Associate with the phrase: "The defendant stands in defense."
Remember, there's no extra "e" after "d" in "defendant."
Relate "defendant" to "complainant"; both end with "ant."
Use mnemonic: "Defendants defend against allegations."
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How Do You Spell Defendant Correctly?
Incorrect: Defendent did not appear in court today.
Correct: Defendant did not appear in court today.
Incorrect: The lawyer argued that the defendent was innocent.
Correct: The lawyer argued that the defendant was innocent.
Incorrect: Evidence against the defendent was inconclusive.
Correct: Evidence against the defendant was inconclusive.
Incorrect: The judge asked the defendent to take the stand.
Correct: The judge asked the defendant to take the stand.
Defendant Definitions
A person, company, etc., against whom a claim or charge is brought in a court.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
An individual or group being sued or accused in court.
The judge addressed the defendant directly.
Someone called upon to answer a lawsuit.
The defendant hired a reputable lawyer for the trial.
The opposing party in adversarial legal systems.
The prosecutor presented evidence against the defendant.
In civil proceedings, the party responding to the complaint.
The defendant was ordered to pay damages.
In court proceedings, a defendant is a person who is the party either accused of committing a crime in criminal prosecution or against whom some type of civil relief is being sought in a civil case. Terminology varies from one jurisdiction to another.
The party against which an action is brought.
Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive, defending.
(legal) In civil proceedings, the party responding to the complaint; one who is sued and called upon to make satisfaction for a wrong complained of by another.
(legal) In criminal proceedings, the accused.
Serving, or suitable, for defense; defensive.
With men of courage and with means defendant.
Making defense.
One who defends; a defender.
The rampiers and ditches which the defendants had cast up.
A person required to make answer in an action or suit; - opposed to plaintiff.
A person or institution against whom an action is brought in a court of law; the person being sued or accused
Defendant Meaning in a Sentence
The case against the defendant was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
During the trial, the defendant remained silent on the advice of counsel.
The defendant was asked to provide fingerprints for the investigation.
Witnesses were called to testify against the defendant.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial was postponed to give the defendant more time to prepare.
The court appointed a public defender for the defendant.
The jury found the defendant guilty after a long deliberation.
The defendant maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
The defendant was released on bail until the next court appearance.
A plea deal was offered to the defendant before the trial.
Security footage played a key role in the trial against the defendant.
Sentencing for the defendant was scheduled for the following month.
The defendant was found not guilty on all counts.
The prosecution argued that the defendant was the mastermind behind the crime.
The defendant faced a life sentence if convicted.
The defendant faced multiple charges, including theft and fraud.
Jurors were selected to decide the fate of the defendant.
The defendant appealed the court's decision.
Common Curiosities
What is the pronunciation of Defendant?
It's pronounced as /dɪˈfɛndənt/.
What is the verb form of Defendant?
The verb form related to "Defendant" is "defend."
What is the singular form of Defendant?
The singular form is "Defendant."
What is the root word of Defendant?
The root word is "defend."
Which conjunction is used with Defendant?
Conjunction usage varies, but "and" can be used, as in "The defendant and his lawyer."
Which vowel is used before Defendant?
The vowel "a" is typically used before "Defendant" (e.g., "a defendant").
Is Defendant a negative or positive word?
It's neutral but may have negative connotations in legal contexts.
Why is it called Defendant?
It's called "Defendant" because it refers to the person defending or answering in a legal case.
What is the plural form of Defendant?
The plural form is "Defendants."
Which preposition is used with Defendant?
"Against" is commonly used, as in "charges against the defendant."
Is Defendant a noun or adjective?
"Defendant" is a noun.
Is Defendant a collective noun?
No, it is not a collective noun.
Is the Defendant term a metaphor?
No, it is a literal term used in legal contexts.
Is the word Defendant imperative?
No, it is not an imperative.
Is the word Defendant a gerund?
No, it's not a gerund.
Is the word “Defendant” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Defendant" can function as a direct object, as in "The lawyer represented the defendant."
What is the opposite of Defendant?
The opposite is "Plaintiff" or "Prosecutor" depending on the context.
Is Defendant a countable noun?
Yes, it is. (e.g., "three defendants").
What part of speech is Defendant?
"Defendant" is a noun.
Which determiner is used with Defendant?
Determiners such as "the," "this," or "each" can be used with "defendant."
Is Defendant a vowel or consonant?
"Defendant" is a word, not a single letter, so it contains both vowels and consonants.
Is Defendant an abstract noun?
No, it's a concrete noun as it refers to a specific person or entity.
What is a stressed syllable in Defendant?
The second syllable, "fend," is stressed.
What is another term for Defendant?
Another term is "accused" or "respondent."
Which article is used with Defendant?
Both "a" and "the" can be used depending on the context, but "the" is more common (e.g., "the defendant").
Is Defendant an adverb?
No, "Defendant" is not an adverb.
How many syllables are in Defendant?
There are three syllables.
How do we divide Defendant into syllables?
De-fend-ant.
How is Defendant used in a sentence?
"The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
