C1noun 2K

Guilt

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɡɪlt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɡɪlt/"]/

Meaning of Guilt

the unhappy feelings caused by knowing or thinking that you have done something wrong

In simple words: A feeling of being bad or wrong about something you did.

Guilt in a sentence

• She felt overwhelming guilt after realizing she had forgotten her friend's birthday.
• The defendant confessed, hoping to lessen the guilt he carried inside.
• Guilt can sometimes motivate people to apologize and make amends.
• Despite the evidence of guilt, the suspect maintained innocence.
• In psychology, guilt is often studied as an emotion related to morality and responsibility.

How to use Guilt

Used in both formal and informal contexts, often when discussing feelings of remorse or regret. It may not be suitable for lighthearted conversations.

Grammar pattern

feel + guilt

Memory hint

Think of 'guilt' like a heavy backpack making you feel weighed down by your actions.

Related words

Collocations with Guilt

• intense
• overwhelming
• terrible
• pang
• twinge
• bear
• carry
• be consumed with
• overwhelm somebody
• wash over somebody
• consume somebody
• complex
• feelings
• trip
• guilt about
• guilt at
• guilt over
• a burden of guilt
• a feeling of guilt
• a sense of guilt
• admit
• confess
• deny
• lie
• an admission of guilt
• proof of guilt
• admit
• confess
• deny
• lie
• an admission of guilt
• proof of guilt

Synonyms for Guilt

• remorse
• regret
• contrition
• penitence
• shame

Opposites of Guilt

• innocence
• blamelessness

Common mistakes with Guilt

• Confusing 'guilt' with 'guilty' — 'guilt' is a noun, 'guilty' is an adjective.
• Using 'guilt' when 'regret' is more appropriate.
• Omitting 'of' when saying 'guilt of something' instead of 'guilt for something'.

Frequently asked questions about Guilt

What does Guilt mean?

A feeling of being bad or wrong about something you did.

What is the definition of Guilt?

the unhappy feelings caused by knowing or thinking that you have done something wrong

How do you use Guilt in a sentence?

She felt overwhelming guilt after realizing she had forgotten her friend's birthday.

Can you give another example of Guilt?

The defendant confessed, hoping to lessen the guilt he carried inside.

What are synonyms for Guilt?

Common alternatives include remorse, regret, contrition, penitence, shame.

What is the opposite of Guilt?

Opposite meanings include innocence, blamelessness.

What words go with Guilt?

It commonly pairs with intense, overwhelming, terrible, pang, twinge, bear, carry, be consumed with, overwhelm somebody, wash over somebody, consume somebody, complex, feelings, trip, guilt about, guilt at, guilt over, a burden of guilt, a feeling of guilt, a sense of guilt, admit, confess, deny, lie, an admission of guilt, proof of guilt, admit, confess, deny, lie, an admission of guilt, proof of guilt.

What are common mistakes when using Guilt?

Confusing 'guilt' with 'guilty' — 'guilt' is a noun, 'guilty' is an adjective. Using 'guilt' when 'regret' is more appropriate. Omitting 'of' when saying 'guilt of something' instead of 'guilt for something'.

How do you pronounce Guilt?

US: /["/ɡɪlt/"]/, UK: /["/ɡɪlt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Guilt?

Used in both formal and informal contexts, often when discussing feelings of remorse or regret. It may not be suitable for lighthearted conversations.

What CEFR level is Guilt?

"Guilt" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.