guiltless
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈɪltləs/
US
- /ˈɡɪltlɪs/
Description
- Innocent
- free from guilt
- blameless
To be guiltless isn't just about not doing something wrong - it's about being completely free from blame or responsibility. Imagine a child who is blamed for eating the cookies, only for everyone to discover that an older sibling ate them. That child is truly guiltless.
We often use "guiltless" when someone is wrongly accused of something. A truly guiltless person has nothing to hide and can face accusations with confidence. But it can also describe simple pleasures - a guiltless treat like enjoying a piece of chocolate after a long day, or taking time for yourself without feeling bad about it. Sometimes, being guiltless means accepting that you did nothing wrong, even if others disagree.
The word "guiltless" describes someone who is free from guilt or wrongdoing - completely innocent and blameless. It's a strong term suggesting an absence of moral responsibility for a particular action or situation. For example: "Despite the evidence presented, she maintained she was guiltless, insisting she had no involvement in the crime."
"Guiltless" isn't simply about not being guilty; it implies a complete lack of culpability. It's often used when someone is falsely accused or wrongly blamed. Think of a character in a mystery novel who is desperately trying to prove their guiltlessness.
However, "guiltless" can also be applied to everyday pleasures. We might talk about a "guiltless pleasure"—something we enjoy without feeling bad about it, like indulging in a favorite treat or taking a relaxing bath. This usage acknowledges that sometimes we feel societal pressure to restrain ourselves, but choosing to enjoy something without remorse is perfectly acceptable.
The idea also extends to intentions. Someone might be connected to a bad result, but if their intentions were pure and they acted with good motives, they could still be considered guiltless in a moral sense: "He made a mistake, but his heart was guiltless."
So whether it's about legal innocence, moral purity, or simply enjoying life's small joys without regret, to be guiltless is to be free from blame and responsibility, allowing you to act with confidence and peace of mind.
Examples
- 1
Legal verdict
The jury found her guiltless on all charges.
- 2
Moral responsibility
He was young and easily led, but he was not entirely guiltless.
- 3
Clear conscience
After telling the truth, she slept with a guiltless mind.
Meaning
guiltless here means free from feelings of guilt
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- guiltlessadjective