B1adjective 1K

Guilty

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈɡɪlti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈɡɪlti/"]/

Meaning of Guilty

feeling ashamed because you have done something that you know is wrong or have not done something that you should have done

In simple words: Feeling bad about something wrong you did.

Guilty in a sentence

• After the trial, she felt guilty about her actions that led to the accident.
• He was found guilty of theft and sentenced to six months in prison.
• Even though he didn't mean to break the vase, he still felt guilty for not being more careful.
• Some people feel guilty when they indulge in desserts while on a diet.
• The guilty look on his face made it clear that he had done something wrong.
• She confessed to feeling guilty for not visiting her grandparents more often.

How to use Guilty

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.

Grammar pattern

guilty + of + crime or action

Memory hint

Think of 'guilt' in 'guilty' — imagine a person looking ashamed after stealing a cookie.

Related words

Collocations with Guilty

• feel
• look
• extremely
• really
• very
• about
• be
• plead
• believe somebody
• certainly
• clearly
• obviously
• of

Synonyms for Guilty

• ashamed
• remorseful
• contrite
• sorry
• culpable

Opposites of Guilty

• innocent
• blameless
• guiltless

Common mistakes with Guilty

• Mixing up 'guilty' with 'innocent'.
• Using 'guilty' with positive actions.
• Confusing 'feel guilty' with 'feel guilted'.

Frequently asked questions about Guilty

What does Guilty mean?

Feeling bad about something wrong you did.

What is the definition of Guilty?

feeling ashamed because you have done something that you know is wrong or have not done something that you should have done

How do you use Guilty in a sentence?

After the trial, she felt guilty about her actions that led to the accident.

Can you give another example of Guilty?

He was found guilty of theft and sentenced to six months in prison.

What are synonyms for Guilty?

Common alternatives include ashamed, remorseful, contrite, sorry, culpable.

What is the opposite of Guilty?

Opposite meanings include innocent, blameless, guiltless.

What words go with Guilty?

It commonly pairs with feel, look, extremely, really, very, about, be, plead, believe somebody, certainly, clearly, obviously, of.

What are common mistakes when using Guilty?

Mixing up 'guilty' with 'innocent'. Using 'guilty' with positive actions. Confusing 'feel guilty' with 'feel guilted'.

How do you pronounce Guilty?

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

When should I use Guilty?

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.

What CEFR level is Guilty?

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