Guilt

Definition

Guilt refers to the feeling of having done something wrong or having failed in an obligation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡɪlt/
• Respelling: GILT (with "GIL" as in "gill" and "T" as in "top")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡɪlt/
• Respelling: GILT (with "GIL" as in "gill" and "T" as in "top")

In both dialects, "guilt" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "GILT."

Etymology

The term "guilt" originates from Old English "gylt" meaning "offense, crime, or sin." Its roots can be traced back to Germanic origins, possibly from the Old Norse word "gjald" meaning "debt" or "payment."

Derivatives

• Guilty (adjective)
• Guiltless (adjective)
• Guiltiness (noun)
• Guiltily (adverb)
• Guilt-ridden (adjective)

Synonyms

• Remorse
• Shame
• Contrition

Antonyms

• Innocence
• Righteousness
• Pride

Usage

Guilt is commonly used in legal, psychological, and moral contexts. In law, it refers to the fact of having committed a crime or offense. Psychologically, it describes the feeling of responsibility for an action perceived as wrong. Morally, it concerns the violation of ethical standards.

Related Terms

• Regret
• Repentance
• Culpability
• Blame
• Fault

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Emotional Experience: A feeling of having committed wrong or failed in an obligation, often accompanied by remorse or shame.
  • Example: She felt a deep sense of guilt after lying to her friend.

• Legal Responsibility: The state of having committed a breach of law, particularly a crime.
  • Example: The court found him guilty of theft, establishing his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Moral Accountability: The recognition of having acted against one's ethical or moral principles.
  • Example: His guilt over past actions led him to seek forgiveness.