guilty
word
Definition
Feeling or being responsible for doing something wrong, or being found to have broken the law. It can describe both legal responsibility and a personal feeling of regret or shame.
Usage & Nuances
'Guilty' is used for both legal contexts ('found guilty in court') and personal feelings ('feel guilty about something'). Common collocations: 'plead guilty', 'guilty conscience', 'feel guilty about'. Not used for minor accidents; usually implies moral or legal responsibility.
Example Sentences
She feels guilty for lying to her friend.
basic
The jury found him guilty of theft.
basic
Don’t look so guilty—it was just an accident!
natural
He pleaded guilty to all the charges in court.
natural
I felt guilty after eating all the cookies.
basic
If you feel guilty about something, maybe you should apologize.
natural