Cool MateGuilty vs Sorry
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Guilty | Sorry | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Feeling bad about something wrong you did. | A word used to express regret or apology. |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 |
| 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. | Use 'sorry' to apologize in casual and formal situations. It’s polite in conversations if you've made a mistake. Avoid overusing it in professional settings where you need to be more specific about the issue. |
Frequently asked questions: Guilty vs Sorry
What's the difference between "Guilty" and "Sorry"?
"Guilty" means: Feeling bad about something wrong you did. "Sorry" means: A word used to express regret or apology.
When should I use "Guilty" and "Sorry"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Guilty" and "Sorry" the same CEFR level?
"Guilty" is at B1, "Sorry" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.