culprit - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
culprit Word Meanings
- a person who is responsible for a crime
- a person at fault
- an offender or wrongdoer
culprit Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
culprit Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkʌlprɪt/
US
/ˈkʌlprɪt/
culprit Word Etymology
culprit = cul- (from 'culpa' = fault) + -prit (from 'premere' = to press); Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a person with a guilty expression, pressed under the weight of their guilt as they are confronted with their misdeeds.
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
Culprit is a common noun used to refer to the person who is believed to be responsible for a crime or wrongdoing. It carries a sense of guilt and accountability, but it does not itself imply a formal legal verdict. In everyday speech, you might say 'The culprit left fingerprints on the window' or 'Who is the culprit in this mystery?' It often appears in news reports, detective fiction, and casual conversations. People occasionally confuse it with 'criminal' or 'culpable'; remember that 'culprit' is the person, while 'culpable' is the attribute of being at fault. The word emphasizes responsibility rather than motive.
Usage Reminders
- - Culprit is a noun for a person; use with 'the' or an article when talking about a specific person
- - It implies guilt or responsibility, not a formal verdict
- - Use in crime news, mysteries, and casual speech, not for every fault
- - Pair with phrases like 'the main culprit' or 'identify the culprit'
- - Do not use as an adjective; 'culpable' is the corresponding adjective
- - Distinguish it from 'criminal' as a label for a person, not a role or action
Common Misconceptions
- Culprit equals criminal or convict; it does not imply a formal verdict
- Only people can be culprits, not actions or objects
- Culprit is always used in negative situations; it can appear in neutral contexts
- Culprit and guilty are interchangeable; culprit is a person, guilty is a state
- Using culprit for minor mistakes or accidents is incorrect
Thinking Differences
Culprit is a concrete noun for a person who is believed to be guilty; English often uses the definite article with a specific individual in crime writing. Learners should not treat culprit as a generic label for all bad acts; it targets a person, not the act. Distinguish it from 'criminal' (a person) and 'culpable' (an adjective describing fault).
Learning Tips
- Read aloud to hear the weight of guilt implied by culprit.
- Practice using 'the culprit' in crime-focused sentences.
- Compare with 'criminal' (person) vs 'culpable' (fault).
- Watch news or crime fiction to hear natural usage.
- Note collocations: 'main culprit', 'identify the culprit'.
- Avoid overusing in non-crime contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'culprit' mean?
A.A person who helps others
B.A person who is neutral
C.A person who is innocent
D.A person who is suspected of a crime
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'culprit' correctly?
A.I trust the culprit to do the right thing.
B.The police finally caught the culprit.
C.The culprit was praised for their honesty.
D.The culprit is known for their bravery.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'culprit'?
A.Partner
B.Innocent
C.Perpetrator
D.Witness
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'culprit'?
A.Victim
B.Defender
C.Ally
D.Justice
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you hear the word 'culprit'?
A.A park during a picnic
B.A library during storytime
C.A courtroom during a trial
D.A gym during a workout
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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