guilt
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɡɪlt/
KK: /gɪlt/
noun
Definition
A feeling of having done something wrong or a state of being responsible for a crime or offense.
Example
She felt a deep sense of guilt after lying to her friend.
Conversation
I still feel a bit of guilt about missing her birthday party.
I understand, but sometimes life gets in the way.
Yeah, I just wish I could have been there for her.
You can always make it up to her later; it's not the end of the world.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
blame
shame
remorse
Antonyms
innocence
blamelessness
exoneration
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel responsible for a wrongdoing or to feel regret about something they have done.
Example
She tried to guilt him into helping her with the project.
Tense Forms
Past: guilted
Past Participle: guilted
Conversation
I can’t believe she tried to guilt me into going to that party.
Yeah, that's not cool at all.
I hate when people use guilt like that to manipulate others.
Root Explanation
Guilt originates from Old English 'gylt', meaning a crime or sin. It refers to the state of having committed an offense or wrongdoing.
Memory Tip
Think of 'gylt' as a reminder of a crime or sin, which helps you remember that guilt is the feeling associated with having done something wrong.
Visually Confused Words
gilt
quilt
gault
built