culpable - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
culpable Word Meanings
- Responsible for a wrongdoing
- Guilty or at fault
- Deserving blame
culpable Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
culpable Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkʌl.pə.bəl/
US
/ˈkʌl.pə.bəl/
culpable Word Etymology
culp- = blame, -able = worthy of. Originated from Latin 'culpabilis', through Old French to English. Imagine a judge pointing at someone, declaring them 'worthy of blame' for their actions.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Culpable is an English adjective used to describe someone who bears responsibility for a wrongdoing or who is blameworthy. It sits between moral blame and legal guilt, and it is common in formal, journalistic, and everyday speech. You can say a person is culpable for an accident, or that a party is culpable in a dispute, and you may hear 'culpable' paired with for or of. Unlike 'guilty,' which has a primarily legal sense and a definite verdict, culpable focuses on blameworthiness regardless of verdict. Learners often confuse the two, or think culpable requires direct personal fault rather than shared responsibility.
Usage Reminders
- Use with forms of be: be culpable, was culpable. Do not equate culpable with a formal guilty verdict; it stresses blameworthiness, not always a court finding. It is commonly followed by for or of: culpable for the mistake, culpable of the theft. It can describe individuals or organizations, or a party in a dispute. In formal contexts, contrast culpable with innocent to emphasize fault.
Common Misconceptions
- Culpable always means legally guilty.
- It can only describe criminal acts, not everyday situations.
- Culpable and guilty are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Culpable implies serious criminal verdict every time.
- It cannot describe groups or organizations.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Learn the be + culpable pattern: be culpable for/of
- Compare with guilty to highlight legal vs moral blame
- Note collocations with for and of
- Practice with both individuals and organizations
- Use in formal writing to describe responsibility
- Avoid using culpable to imply a formal verdict when speaking informally
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'culpable' used correctly?
A.She was praised for her culpable actions.
B.The teacher was culpable for the student's success.
C.He was found culpable for the crime.
D.The dog was culpable of barking loudly.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is the closest synonym of 'culpable'?
A.Responsible
B.Innocent
C.Shy
D.Helpful
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'culpable'?
A.Guilty
B.Blameless
C.Criminal
D.Responsible
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would someone be described as 'culpable'?
A.Helping an elderly person cross the street
B.Volunteering at a homeless shelter
C.Being convicted of a crime
D.Donating to charity
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