guilty

[ˈɡɪlti]

guilty Definition

• 1. responsible for a crime or wrongdoing
• 2. feeling ashamed or remorseful because of something one has done

Using guilty: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "guilty" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The jury found him guilty of murder.

• Example

  She felt guilty for lying to her parents.

• Example

  He pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

• Example

  I have a guilty conscience about not finishing my work on time.

guilty Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for guilty

• culpable
• blameworthy
• responsible
• answerable
• at fault

Antonyms for guilty

• innocent
• not guilty

Phrases with guilty

• guilty pleasure

  something that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard

  Example

  Watching reality TV shows is my guilty pleasure.

• guilty as sin

  completely guilty or responsible for something

  Example

  He looked guilty as sin when I asked him about the missing money.

• find someone guilty

  to declare someone responsible for a crime or wrongdoing

  Example

  The judge found the defendant guilty of embezzlement.

Origins of guilty

from Old English 'gyltig', meaning 'sinful'

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Summary: guilty in Brief

The term 'guilty' [ˈɡɪlti] refers to being responsible for a crime or wrongdoing, or feeling ashamed or remorseful because of something one has done. It can be used in legal contexts, such as 'The jury found him guilty of murder,' or in personal contexts, such as 'She felt guilty for lying to her parents.' 'Guilty' also appears in phrases like 'guilty pleasure,' which describes something enjoyed despite being viewed negatively, and 'guilty as sin,' which means completely responsible for something.