Cool MateCriminal
UK /["/ˈkrɪmɪnl/"]/US /["/ˈkrɪmɪnl/"]/
Definition
a person who commits a crime
In simple words: A person who breaks the law.
Examples
- He was found guilty and became a criminal after his trial.
- The documentary focused on the lives of famous criminals throughout history.
- Many criminals are caught through surveillance cameras.
Usage notes
Use 'criminal' in legal contexts or discussions about crime. Avoid using it casually to label someone without evidence of wrongdoing.
Grammar pattern
criminal + noun (e.g. criminal activities)
Memory hint
Think of 'crime' + 'inal', like 'final' consequences of breaking the law.
Collocations
- dangerous
- violent
- real
- catch
- convict
- prosecute
Synonyms
- offender
- felon
- lawbreaker
- wrongdoer
- delinquent
Antonyms
- law-abiding citizen
- innocent
Common mistakes
- 'Criminal' used as an adjective without a noun (e.g., saying 'he is a criminal' without context)
- Confusing 'criminal' with 'criminalized' (which means made illegal)
- Using 'criminal' to describe someone who has made a mistake (which can be too strong)