WordGarden.ioguiltily
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɡɪltˌɪli/adverb
US
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that shows or feels guilt
Beyond the definition
Imagine you sneak the last cookie from the jar, then quickly glance around to see if anyone noticed. That quick look, and the way you try to hide your action—that's acting guiltily. It means behaving in a way that reveals you feel bad about something you've done (or think you've done!).
Guiltily describes how someone does something when they feel responsible for a mistake or something wrong. You might "guiltily avoid eye contact" or "guiltily confess to breaking the vase." It's more than just feeling guilty; it's showing that feeling through your actions. Think of a puppy who's chewed up a slipper—they often look around guiltily, hoping you didn't notice!
To act "guiltily" means to behave in a way that reveals feelings of remorse, regret, or responsibility for something perceived as wrong. It's not simply feeling guilty; it's the outward expression of that inner turmoil through your actions, mannerisms, and body language.
The word often appears with verbs describing subtle behaviors: someone might "guiltily glance away," "guiltily stammer an apology," or "guiltily try to hide evidence." It suggests a sense of apprehension and the fear of being discovered or judged. You wouldn't say someone acted guiltily if they were genuinely proud of their actions—it implies a transgression, even if minor.
The context is important. A child might act guiltily after drawing on the walls, while an adult might act guiltily after breaking a promise. It can also be used in more figurative ways: the phrase "He guiltily enjoyed the gossip" suggests he knew he shouldn't be listening but couldn't help himself.
"Guiltily" adds nuance to describing behavior; it doesn't just tell us what someone did, but how they did it—revealing their internal state of mind and a sense of wrongdoing. It's the subtle language of regret made visible through action.
Examples
- 1
Caught mischief
He smiled guiltily when his mother found the broken vase.
- 2
Confession
"I ate the last cookie," Maya said guiltily.
- 3
Workplace distraction
She glanced guiltily at her phone during the meeting.
- 4
Social mistake
He laughed guiltily after forgetting their anniversary.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Classroom blame
The children looked at each other guiltily when the teacher asked who had drawn on the wall.
See also
Similar
- remorsefully
- contritely
- shamefacedly
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- look guiltily
- smile guiltily
- glance guiltily
- say guiltily
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- guiltilyadverb