WordGarden.io
Back to search

guiltless

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɡˈɪltləs/

US

  • /ˈɡɪltlɪs/

Description

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Legal verdict

    The jury found her guiltless on all charges.

  2. 2

    Moral responsibility

    He was young and easily led, but he was not entirely guiltless.

  3. 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