Guilty Meaning

Guilty

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Responsible for committing an offense or wrongdoing, especially in the context of breaking a law.
2. Feeling responsible or remorseful for an act that has caused harm or offense.
3. Proven to have committed a crime or offense through legal judgment or evidence.

History and Origin

The word “guilty” comes from the Old French word guilte, meaning “guilt” or “offense,” derived from the Latin culpabilis, meaning “blameworthy.” It has been used in English since the Middle Ages, primarily in legal contexts, to describe someone who has committed a crime or wrongful act. Over time, its meaning expanded to include feelings of remorse or responsibility for wrongdoing.

Detailed Explanation

“Guilty” refers to both the state of having committed an offense and the emotional feeling of remorse or responsibility for wrongdoing. In a legal sense, a person is guilty if they have been proven to have committed a crime, either through direct evidence or confession. On a personal level, feeling guilty often involves an emotional response to one’s actions, where someone feels regret or responsibility for harming others or violating their own moral standards.

Example Sentences

1. The jury found the defendant guilty of all charges.
2. She felt guilty for not calling her friend on her birthday.
3. He admitted his guilt after being questioned by the police.
4. The child felt guilty for breaking the vase, even though it was an accident.
5. They found the man guilty of fraud after reviewing the evidence.
6. She tried to hide her guilty expression, but it was obvious she had done something wrong.
7. The guilty party was sentenced to five years in prison.
8. He didn’t feel guilty for taking the last cookie, as he thought no one wanted it.
9. The defendant pleaded guilty to the crime during the trial.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Culpable – Responsible for a wrongdoing or offense.
2. At fault – Responsible for causing an issue or harm.
3. Blameworthy – Deserving blame for an action or mistake.
4. Responsible – Held accountable for a wrongdoing or mistake.
5. Convicted – Found guilty in a court of law following a trial.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Innocent – Not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
2. Justice – The pursuit of fairness, often involving the guilt or innocence of a person.
3. Remorse – A feeling of deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed.
4. Accuse – To charge someone with a wrongdoing, often leading to a determination of guilt or innocence.
5. Conviction – The legal judgment that someone is guilty of a crime after a trial.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Blame – The assignment of responsibility for a wrongdoing.
2. Fault – Responsibility for a failure or mistake, often related to guilt.
3. Penalty – A punishment given as a result of being found guilty of a crime.
4. Wrongdoing – An immoral or illegal action that may lead to guilt.
5. Accountability – The state of being responsible for one’s actions, especially in terms of guilt.

Antonyms

1. Innocent
2. Blameless
3. Exonerated
4. Not guilty
5. Righteous