What is guilty? Pronunciation and usage in English

guilty means . Learn how to pronounce and use guilty through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of guilty

guiltyadjective

/ˈɡɪlti/
Definition & pronunciation of guilty

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "guilty" in English. It can be a little tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "guilty" is typically broken down into two syllables:

  • GU - like the beginning of "gun"
  • TIL - This is where it gets a little nuanced.

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • GU: Pronounce this like "goo" as in "good." It's a short, quick "goo."
  • TIL: This is the trickier part! It's not like "till" (as in, "until"). Here's how to do it:
    • First, a slight upward glide: Start with your tongue in a relaxed position. As you say "til," think of a very slight upward inflection in your voice. It's almost like you're gently raising your eyebrows.
    • Then, a "t" sound: Immediately after that upward glide, smoothly pronounce the "t" sound as in "top."

3. Putting it Together:

So, the whole word sounds like: "goo-TIL" (with the upward glide on the "til").

4. Tips and Considerations:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable – “GU”.
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

In short, focus on “goo-TIL” with that subtle upward glide!

Do you want me to:

  • Slow down any part of the pronunciation?
  • Provide an example sentence to help you hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word guilty in English

Let's break down how to use the word "guilty" in English. It's a surprisingly nuanced word with several different uses. Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. Feeling of Responsibility (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. "Guilty" describes a feeling of remorse, regret, or responsibility for having done something wrong. It's an internal experience.
  • Examples:
    • "I felt guilty about lying to my friend." (I felt bad about the action.)
    • "She was guilty of breaking the vase." (She felt responsible for breaking it.)
    • "He was guilty of neglecting his family." (He felt regret for not caring for them properly.)
  • Phrases:
    • "I feel guilty about…"
    • "I’m guilty as charged!" (Said playfully, acknowledging you did something)

2. Legally Responsible (Criminal Justice)

  • Meaning: In a legal context, “guilty” means someone has been proven to have committed a crime. It's a formal declaration by a court.
  • Examples:
    • "The jury found him guilty of theft." (He was legally proven to have stolen something.)
    • "The defendant pleaded guilty to assault." (They admitted to committing the crime.)
    • "Is he guilty of murder?" (Is there sufficient evidence to prove he committed the crime?)
  • Related Words: guilt, innocent, conviction, acquittal

3. Describing a Quality (Less Common, More Figurative)

  • Meaning: Sometimes, "guilty" can describe something as having a morally questionable quality, even if it’s not a crime. It suggests something is slightly shady or improper. This usage is more literary and less frequently used in everyday conversation.
  • Examples:
    • “The painting had a guilty charm.” (It had a slightly unsettling, alluring quality.)
    • "The city felt guilty beneath a veil of prosperity." (Suggests there was an undercurrent of something wrong despite outward success.)

4. Expressing a Desire or Craving (Informal)

  • Meaning: This is a more slangy, informal usage, often related to tempting desires.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm guilty of loving chocolate cake." (I really, really like it.)
    • "Don't tell anyone, but I'm guilty of sneaking extra cookies." (I admit to doing something slightly wrong – in this case, a little indulgence.)

Key Considerations:

  • "Guilt" vs. "Guilty":

    • Guilt is the feeling of wrongdoing. It’s an emotion. (e.g., "He felt guilt.")
    • Guilty is the state of being responsible or having committed the wrongdoing. It’s a description. (e.g., "He was guilty.")

  • Tone: "Guilty" can carry a heavy emotional weight. Be mindful of the context when using it.

  • Formal vs. Informal: The legal and emotional uses are more formal. The slang use is casual.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you an even more tailored response, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "guilty"? (e.g., write a story, explain a legal concept, use it in a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word guilty

Idioms of the word guilty

a guilty pleasure
something that you enjoy, even though you feel it is not really a good thing
  • Daytime TV is one of my guilty pleasures.
a guilty secret
a secret that somebody feels ashamed about

    Practice with vocabulary guilty

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The auditor felt profoundly ____ after overlooking a significant accounting error that cost the company millions.
    2. Despite being presented with overwhelming evidence, the politician still insisted he was ____ of any wrongdoing.
    3. The marketing team was held ____ for the campaign's poor performance and subsequent financial losses.
    4. She couldn't shake the ____ feeling that she had betrayed her colleague's trust by sharing confidential information.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Which of the following describes a person who has committed a legal or moral offense? a) blameless b) innocent c) culpable d) guilty e) irreproachable

    2. If someone feels a strong sense of remorse for their actions, they might describe themselves as: a) unapologetic b) unburdened c) remorseful d) contrite e) guilt-ridden

    3. The project team was held ____ for the significant delay in product launch. a) responsible b) culpable c) blameless d) accountable e) without fault

    4. Which of these words describe a feeling of having done something wrong, causing distress? a) remorse b) justification c) innocence d) guilt e) absolution

    5. The company was found ____ for the environmental damage caused by its industrial waste. a) innocent b) responsible c) liable d) faultless e) blameworthy

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. His conscience bothered him greatly because he had not disclosed the conflict of interest. (Rewrite using "guilty" or a related word form.)
    2. The prosecutor successfully proved that the suspect was responsible for the embezzlement. (Rewrite using "guilty" or a related word form.)
    3. The committee admitted that they were responsible for the oversight that led to the budget deficit. (Rewrite without using "guilty".)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. guilty
    2. innocent
    3. accountable
    4. guilty

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. c) culpable, d) guilty
    2. c) remorseful, d) contrite, e) guilt-ridden
    3. a) responsible, b) culpable, d) accountable
    4. a) remorse, d) guilt
    5. b) responsible, c) liable, e) blameworthy

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. He felt profoundly guilty for not disclosing the conflict of interest.
    2. The prosecutor successfully proved the suspect guilty of embezzlement.
    3. The committee took accountability for the oversight that led to the budget deficit.

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