Admission of guilt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Admission of guilt

🙇‍♂️

Add to dictionary

admission of guilt

[ədˈmɪʃ(ə)n ʌv ɡɪlt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

The act of acknowledging or accepting responsibility for a wrongdoing or offense.

Synonyms

acknowledgment, avowal, confession.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
admission of guilt	This phrase is used in legal or serious contexts where someone officially declares they are responsible for a wrongdoing or crime. The suspect's admission of guilt led to a quick conviction After hours of questioning, he finally made an admission of guilt
confession	This word is used when someone admits to something that they are ashamed of, often used in religious, personal, or legal contexts. Her confession of cheating on the test shocked her parents He made a full confession to the police about his involvement in the robbery
acknowledgment	This word is used in broader contexts where someone recognizes the truth or existence of something, not necessarily negative or related to wrongdoing. Her acknowledgment of the team's hard work was appreciated by everyone He gave a nod of acknowledgment when he recognized his mistake
avowal	This word is used to describe a formal or open declaration, often of beliefs or feelings, and does not necessarily have a negative connotation. His avowal of love moved her to tears The politician's avowal of support for environmental policies was well-received

Examples of usage

He made an admission of guilt during the trial.
She decided to make an admission of guilt to clear her conscience.
The admission of guilt was a crucial turning point in the investigation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The act of recognizing and owning up to one's mistakes or faults.

Synonyms

acknowledgment, confession, declaration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
admission of guilt	Typically used in legal or formal contexts when someone formally acknowledges that they have committed a wrongdoing or a crime. It implies a serious acknowledgment of culpability. The suspect made an admission of guilt after hours of questioning by the police. An admission of guilt can sometimes result in a reduced sentence in court.
acknowledgment	Used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate recognition or acceptance of a fact, truth, or reality. It does not necessarily imply a wrongdoing and can be used in positive or neutral situations. She gave a brief nod as an acknowledgment of his help. There was an acknowledgment of the team's hard work during the award ceremony.
confession	Often used in religious, personal, or legal contexts where someone admits to wrongdoing or sins. It carries emotional weight and can be related to moral or ethical breaches as well as crimes. He went to the priest for a confession of his sins. After a long interrogation, the suspect broke down and made a full confession.
declaration	Used in formal contexts to announce or make something known publicly. It doesn’t inherently imply wrongdoing and can be used for a variety of formal announcements. The president made a declaration of the new policies during the press conference. Her declaration of love surprised everyone at the party.

Examples of usage

His admission of guilt showed his maturity and willingness to improve.
I admire her courage for making an admission of guilt and apologizing.
Accepting responsibility is the first step after an admission of guilt.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In many legal systems, an admission of guilt can have serious consequences, often leading to a confession being used as evidence in court.
An admission of guilt is different from a plea deal, where a person may plead guilty to a lesser charge to receive a lighter sentence.
Sometimes, people admit guilt as a strategy to achieve a more favorable outcome, even if they aren't entirely guilty.

Psychology

Research shows that admitting guilt can lead to emotional relief and improved mental health, as it may decrease feelings of shame.
In psychological studies, people who admit their mistakes are often viewed more favorably by others, promoting forgiveness.
Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that admitting guilt can help resolve inner conflicts when one’s actions don't align with their values.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, admitting wrongdoing is seen as an honorable act, a sign of strength and character rather than weakness.
Restorative justice practices encourage admitting guilt to promote healing between the offender and the victim.
Cultural narratives often depict the hero's journey as involving a moment of truth, where the character admits their faults as a step towards redemption.

Media Representation

In movies, characters often face a climax where they have to admit their guilt, leading to crucial plot resolutions.
Many true crime documentaries highlight admissions of guilt as pivotal moments that can change the course of investigations.
Television shows frequently explore the theme of guilt through character arcs that culminate in dramatic admissions, illustrating personal growth.

Philosophical Aspect

Philosophers often discuss the nature of guilt and the ethics of confession, exploring how admitting wrongdoing relates to personal integrity.
Existentialism examines the weight of guilt and responsibility, suggesting that acknowledging one’s mistakes is essential for authentic existence.
Some philosophical theories argue that confrontations with guilt can lead to personal and moral development.

Origin of 'admission of guilt'

The phrase 'admission of guilt' has been commonly used in legal contexts to refer to the act of confessing to a crime or wrongdoing. It emphasizes the acknowledgment of responsibility and can have significant implications in legal proceedings. The concept of admitting guilt dates back to ancient times when individuals were expected to confess to their crimes as a form of repentance. Over the years, the idea of admission of guilt has evolved to encompass personal accountability and the willingness to rectify mistakes.