Guilty
'ɡɪlti
Definitions
3 meaningsResponsible for a crime or wrongdoing.
'ɡɪlti
Having committed a crime or other wrong act.
The evidence presented in court proved he was guilty.
💡 Simply: Imagine you did something wrong, like eating the last cookie when you promised not to. Being guilty is like having that uncomfortable feeling that you did something you shouldn't have.
👶 For kids: When you do something bad or break a rule, you feel guilty.
More Examples
She felt guilty for not visiting her grandmother more often.
He admitted he was guilty of the lesser charge.
How It's Used
"The jury found the defendant guilty of murder."
"She felt guilty after lying to her friend."
Feeling regret or shame for having done something wrong.
'ɡɪlti
Feeling or showing remorse for doing something wrong.
She had a guilty conscience after lying to her friend.
💡 Simply: It's when you feel bad about something you did, like hurting someone's feelings. Your stomach might feel a little twisty!
👶 For kids: When you feel bad about something you did.
More Examples
I felt guilty for not helping my neighbor.
He looked guilty and ashamed.
How It's Used
"He had a guilty conscience."
"I felt guilty about eating the whole cake."
Showing or revealing that one has done something wrong.
'ɡɪlti
Indicating or expressing guilt.
His guilty expression gave him away.
💡 Simply: When your face or actions give away that you did something wrong, like a little smile when you know you're in trouble.
👶 For kids: When your face looks like you did something wrong
More Examples
She gave a guilty little smile as she confessed.
He made a guilty gesture, as if to say, 'I didn't mean to'.
How It's Used
"A guilty expression crossed her face."
"He gave a guilty little laugh."
Idioms & expressions
guilty as charged
Admitting to a fault or wrongdoing, accepting responsibility.
"When asked if he stole the cookies, he said, "Guilty as charged!""
guilty pleasure
Something that one enjoys, but feels slightly ashamed or embarrassed about enjoying.
"Watching reality TV is my guilty pleasure."
From Middle English gilti, gilty, from Old English gyltig, equivalent to gilt + -y. Related to the word 'gild' (to cover with gold), reflecting the original sense of 'sin' as something that stains or corrupts.
The word 'guilty' has been used in legal and moral contexts for centuries, evolving from its origins related to sin and transgression.
Memory tip
Think of a 'gilt' (covered in gold) heart tarnished by sin.
Word Origin
"sin, crime, or wrongdoing"