The spelling of "guilty of" is straightforward, but the pronunciation can be tricky. The word "guilty" is pronounced /ˈɡɪlti/, with a hard "g" sound at the beginning, followed by a short "i" sound and a stress on the first syllable. The preposition "of" is pronounced /ʌv/, with a stressed "o" sound and a soft "v" at the end. Together, these two words form a commonly used phrase in legal contexts to indicate responsibility for an offense.
To be "guilty of" something means to be responsible for committing an offense, transgression, or wrongdoing, thus being morally or legally culpable. The phrase "guilty of" typically refers to an act or behavior for which one can be held accountable. It implies that the individual violated a law, regulation, or moral principle, resulting in the acknowledgment of their culpability.
The phrase usually carries a negative connotation and is often associated with feelings of remorse, regret, or shame. It suggests that the person has breached a code of conduct, either intentionally or negligently, and recognizes the consequences of their actions. The degree of guilt can vary from a minor misdemeanor to a severe crime, depending on the nature and severity of the offense committed.
In a legal context, being "guilty of" a crime signifies that a court of law has determined the individual's culpability beyond a reasonable doubt, following a fair and impartial trial. The verdict of guilt typically leads to punishment or penalization, which may include fines, imprisonment, probation, or other forms of legal repercussions.
Ethically, being "guilty of" misconduct implies a violation of societal norms, values, or principles, triggering a sense of wrongdoing within the person. However, it is important to note that guilt can also be subjective and influenced by individual beliefs, cultural background, or personal circumstances, which may lead to varying degrees of self-blame or external judgment.
The word "guilty" comes from the Old English word "gyltig" which means "having committed a crime or offense". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "gultiga" which carries a similar meaning. The word "of" is a preposition that in this context is used to indicate the offense or crime committed. The phrase "guilty of" is often used to describe someone responsible for committing an act that is considered wrong or forbidden by law or society.