guilty - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
guilty Word Meanings
- responsible for the commission of a crime
- feeling remorse or regret
- having a sense of culpability
guilty Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
guilty Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɡɪl.ti/
US
/ˈɡɪl.ti/
guilty Word Etymology
guilty = guilt + -y; Origin: Old English gylt (Latin 'culpa' = fault); Memory: Imagine someone feeling burdened by a heavy weight of guilt over a mistake, as if carrying a large stone on their shoulders.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I push the kitchen chair aside, my hand steady as I reach for the plate I knocked over. I shift my weight, hold my breath, and see the crack in the cup. A tight ache grows in my chest as I face what I did and decide how to own it. The word guilty sits at the edge of my thoughts, guiding me to adjust my plan, keep my promises, and act with care next time.
Real Context
Guilty is an English adjective with two core senses: someone can be guilty legally for a crime, or feel guilt as a personal emotional reaction to a wrongdoing. In everyday speech, we say 'I feel guilty' to describe remorse, and we use 'guilty of' to assign fault in a specific act, such as 'guilty of theft.' Learners often mix it up with 'responsible' (which is broader) or with 'ashamed' (which focuses more on pride and self-image). There is also the common idiom 'guilty pleasure,' which describes an activity you enjoy despite knowing it’s not ideal.
Usage Reminders
- Be careful with 'feel' vs 'be' when using guilty
- Use 'guilty of' with a specific crime or fault
- Remember the idiom 'guilty pleasure'
- Differentiate from 'ashamed' (shame) and 'responsible' (duty)
- Pronounce with two syllables: GUIL-ty
- Avoid overusing in formal law contexts; preferred in personal emotion
Common Misconceptions
- Guilty always means being legally proven to have committed a crime.
- Feeling guilty always leads to punishment.
- Guilty equals ashamed or embarrassed.
- You must be guilty if someone accuses you.
- Guilty and responsible are the same in everyday use.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate moral guilt from legal guilt, with many idioms and fixed phrases that color how we talk about remorse. Learners often map guilt directly to punishment or legal status, missing how English uses 'guilty of' to attribute blame for a specific action or how 'guilty pleasure' signals conflicted enjoyment.
Learning Tips
- Practice distinguishing guilt types with sample sentences
- Compare 'guilty' with 'responsible' and 'ashamed'
- Learn common collocations like 'guilty of a crime'
- Master pronunciation: two syllables GUIL-ty
- Use 'I feel guilty' for personal remorse
- Explore 'guilty pleasure' to see figurative use
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'guilty' used in a sentence?
A.They were guilty for helping others.
B.She was guilty for winning the game.
C.He felt guilty for lying to his parents.
D.I am guilty for receiving an award.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'guilty'?
A.Honest
B.Proud
C.Shameful
D.Generous
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'guilty'?
A.Humble
B.Innocent
C.Brave
D.Mischievous
Step 5: Mastery
In what situation would someone feel guilty?
A.Helping others in need
B.Cheating on a test
C.Being truthful to a friend
D.Winning an award
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