French word

culpabilité

Pronunciation

IPA/kylpabilite/

Meaning

  • feminine nounguilt

Example

Après la dispute, il éprouve une culpabilité.

After the argument, he feels guilty.

Illustration for culpabilité (guilt)

More examples

Elle est rongée par la culpabilité.

She is consumed by guilt.

Core concept

The mind's burden after a wrongful act, extending from personal remorse to a person's guilty status.

Common phrases

  • un sentiment de culpabilité

    a feeling of guilt

  • cacher sa culpabilité

    hide one's guilt

Similar words

remords: Strong remorse and heartache over something one has done.
honte: Feeling ashamed after public embarrassment damages one's self-esteem.
regret: Disappointment or sorrow about a past event or missed opportunity.
gêne: Restlessness caused by an awkward atmosphere or social situation.

Definition in French

Sentiment de remords ou de malaise éprouvé lorsqu'on estime avoir commis une faute, ou état d'être coupable.

Word origin

The noun is formed from culpable with -ité, while culpable ultimately derives from Latin culpa, meaning 'fault'.

Usage tips

  • French often expresses the personal feeling with je me sens coupable or j'ai des remords rather than with culpabilité alone.

Other meanings

  • culpabilitynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • culpabilisermake someone feel guiltyverb
  • culpabilisationguilt inductionnoun

Word lists with this word