What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
culpable
Example
The company was found culpable for the environmental damage caused by their operations. [culpable: adjective]
Example
The witness was deemed culpable for withholding evidence in the trial. [culpable: adjective]
guilty
Example
The defendant was found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to ten years in prison. [guilty: adjective]
Example
She felt guilty for lying to her friend about the party. [guilty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guilty is more commonly used than culpable in everyday language, especially in the context of criminal justice. Culpable is less common and is typically used in legal or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between culpable and guilty?
Culpable is a more formal word than guilty, and it is often used in legal or academic contexts. Guilty is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
