guilty
|guilt/y|
B1
/ˈɡɪlti/
responsible for wrongdoing
Etymology
Etymology Information
'guilty' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'gyltig', where 'gylt' meant 'crime or offense'.
Historical Evolution
'gyltig' transformed into the Middle English word 'giltī', and eventually became the modern English word 'guilty'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'having committed a crime or offense', but over time it evolved to also include the feeling of remorse or responsibility for a wrongdoing.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
responsible for a specified wrongdoing or offense.
The jury found him guilty of theft.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
feeling or showing remorse for a wrongdoing.
She felt guilty about lying to her friend.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40