B1noun3K

UK//ˈkʌlprɪt//US//ˈkʌlprɪt//

Meaning of Culprit

A person or thing responsible for a specified wrongdoing.

In simple words: The person who is responsible for a crime or problem.

Culprit in a sentence

  • The detectives finally caught the culprit after months of investigation.
  • Everyone was relieved when the culprit of the theft was arrested.
  • In this case, the culprit turned out to be a former employee.
  • Identifying the culprit is the first step towards solving the case.
  • The school found the real culprit behind the vandalism incidents.

How to use Culprit

Use in legal or informal discussions about responsibility. Avoid in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

culprit + of + crime/problem

Memory hint

Think of 'culprit' as 'culprit'—sounds like 'cull' which means to take out, like a bad apple.

Related words

Collocations with Culprit

  • identify the culprit
  • catch the culprit
  • find the culprit

Synonyms for Culprit

Opposites of Culprit

Common mistakes with Culprit

  • Using 'culprit' with non-criminal issues (e.g., 'the culprit of the issue' instead of 'the cause').
  • Confusing 'culprit' with 'victim' in discussions about crime.

Compare Culprit with Perpetrator, Offender, Criminal

Culprit appears in

Culprit in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Culprit

What does Culprit mean?

The person who is responsible for a crime or problem.

What is the definition of Culprit?

A person or thing responsible for a specified wrongdoing.

How do you use Culprit in a sentence?

The detectives finally caught the culprit after months of investigation.

Can you give another example of Culprit?

Everyone was relieved when the culprit of the theft was arrested.

What are synonyms for Culprit?

Common alternatives include perpetrator, offender, wrongdoer, criminal.

What is the opposite of Culprit?

Opposite meanings include hero, innocent.

What words go with Culprit?

It commonly pairs with identify the culprit, catch the culprit, find the culprit.

What are common mistakes when using Culprit?

Using 'culprit' with non-criminal issues (e.g., 'the culprit of the issue' instead of 'the cause'). Confusing 'culprit' with 'victim' in discussions about crime.

How do you pronounce Culprit?

US: //ˈkʌlprɪt//, UK: //ˈkʌlprɪt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Culprit?

Use in legal or informal discussions about responsibility. Avoid in very formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Culprit?

"Culprit" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.