Cool MateGuilty vs Liable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Guilty | Liable | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Feeling bad about something wrong you did. | Responsible for something, especially bad. |
| Register | - | formal |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'guilty' in both legal contexts and personal feelings. It's neutral but can feel strong when discussing serious matters. Avoid using it casually in light situations. | Used in legal contexts to indicate responsibility. Avoid in casual conversations. Often means someone can be held accountable for their actions. |
Frequently asked questions: Guilty vs Liable
What's the difference between "Guilty" and "Liable"?
"Guilty" means: Feeling bad about something wrong you did. "Liable" means: Responsible for something, especially bad.
When should I use "Guilty" and "Liable"?
"Liable" is formal.
Are "Guilty" and "Liable" the same CEFR level?
"Guilty" is at B1, "Liable" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.