How Do You Spell GUILTY?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪlti] (IPA)

The word "guilty" is spelled with a "g" and "u" as in "goose" /ɡu/ followed by "i" and "l" as in "mild" /ɪl/ and "ty" pronounced as /ti/. The IPA transcription of "guilty" is /ˈɡɪlti/. The "g" sound is unvoiced, meaning that the vocal cords do not vibrate, and the "l" sound is often pronounced as a darker or "velarized" sound. A homophone of "guilty" is "gilt" (meaning covered with gold).

GUILTY Meaning and Definition

  1. Guilty is an adjective that describes the feeling or state of remorse or responsibility for having committed an offense or wrongdoing. This term is often associated with a sense of moral or legal culpability. When someone is deemed guilty, it signifies that they have been found to have acted against the accepted standards of behavior, either by breaking a law or violating moral principles.

    In a legal context, guilty refers to a person who has been proven or admitted to be responsible for a crime or unlawful act. This determination can be made through a court trial, where evidence and arguments are presented to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused. If the judge or jury decides that the evidence supports the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, the person is declared guilty.

    On an emotional level, guilt can manifest as a deep sense of regret, remorse, or shame, stemming from one's own perception of having done something wrong. This feeling may arise from personal values, cultural or societal expectations, or one's own sense of conscience. It often prompts individuals to acknowledge their actions and make amends, or take responsibility for the consequences of their behavior.

    Overall, guilty refers to the acknowledgement or determination of culpability for one's actions, whether it be in a legal sense or within the realm of personal conscience. It encompasses the recognition of wrongdoing and the consequent emotional and moral implications that follow.

  2. Not innocent; justly chargeable with crime.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for GUILTY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for GUILTY

Etymology of GUILTY

The word "guilty" originated from the Old English word "gyltig", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*gulþīgaz". In Old English, "gyltig" meant "incurring guilt or blame", derived from the root word "gylt", which meant "crime" or "sin". The Proto-Germanic word "*gulþīgaz" can be broken down into two parts: "*gulþa" meaning "sin, offense" and "*īgaz" meaning "having the quality of". Throughout the centuries, the word underwent various phonetic changes and modifications before the modern English word "guilty" emerged.

Idioms with the word GUILTY

  • as guilty/miserable/ugly as sin The idiom "as guilty/miserable/ugly as sin" refers to someone who is extremely guilty, miserable, or ugly. It emphasizes the severity of the feeling or condition, comparing it to the concept of sin, which is often associated with wrongdoing or evilness. It implies that the person's guilt, misery, or ugliness is intense and undeniable.
  • A guilty conscience needs no accuser. The idiom "A guilty conscience needs no accuser" means that someone who feels guilty or remorseful about something does not require someone else to point out their wrongdoing, as they are already aware of it themselves. It suggests that individuals burdened by guilt will often feel a constant need to confess or admit their misdeeds.
  • plead guilty to sth The idiom "plead guilty to sth" refers to the act of admitting responsibility or accepting wrongdoing for a specific offense or crime in a court of law. It entails acknowledging one's culpability instead of denying the charges being brought against them.
  • find guilty The idiom "find guilty" refers to the legal verdict where someone is determined to be responsible or culpable for a crime or offense. It means to officially declare or acknowledge someone as having committed a wrongful act based on the evidence presented in a court of law.
  • find sm guilty The idiom "find someone guilty" refers to the act of reaching a conclusion or decision that holds someone responsible for a particular offense or wrongdoing. It is commonly used in legal contexts, where a judge or jury finds someone to be culpable based on the presented evidence and arguments.
  • feel guilty The idiom "feel guilty" refers to experiencing a sense of remorse or regret over something that one has done or failed to do, often associated with a feeling of responsibility for causing harm or wrongdoing.
  • feel guilty (about sth) The idiom "feel guilty (about sth)" means to experience a sense of remorse or responsibility for something one has done, often due to the belief that it is morally wrong or against one's values. It involves having a feeling of personal guilt or self-blame for one's actions or words.
  • a guilty secret The idiom "a guilty secret" refers to a hidden or concealed piece of information or action that one feels ashamed or remorseful about. It implies that the secret, if revealed, would likely cause guilt and a sense of wrongdoing.
  • find someone guilty To find someone guilty means to determine or declare that someone is responsible or culpable for a crime, offense, or wrongdoing. It involves the process of coming to a decision or judgment that holds the person accountable for their actions based on evidence, legal proceedings, or testimonies.
  • guilty pleasure The definition for the idiom "guilty pleasure" refers to something that a person enjoys or indulges in, even though they may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or guilty about it, usually due to societal expectations or judgments.
  • feel guilty (about something) The idiom "feel guilty (about something)" means experiencing a strong sense of remorse, regret, or shame for something one has done or failed to do. This feeling arises from the belief that one has acted in an immoral, unethical, or wrongful manner and should be held accountable for their actions.
  • plead guilty to something The idiom "plead guilty to something" means admitting or confessing to having committed a crime or wrongdoing when appearing in court or before a judicial body. It involves accepting responsibility for one's actions and acknowledging one's guilt in a legal proceeding.

Similar spelling words for GUILTY

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