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Culpability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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culpability

[ˌkʌlpəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal

The state of being guilty or responsible for a wrongdoing or error.

Synonyms

blame, guilt, responsibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
culpability

Use 'culpability' when discussing legal or formal responsibility for a wrongdoing. This term is often utilized in legal contexts to denote someone's degree of fault.

  • The driver's culpability in the accident was clear from the evidence presented in court
guilt

Use 'guilt' to describe the internal feeling of regret or remorse over a wrongdoing. This term is more emotional and personal, rather than formal or legal.

  • He couldn't sleep because of the guilt he felt after lying to his friend
responsibility

Use 'responsibility' in a broader sense when talking about the duty to handle something or take care of it. It does not necessarily imply wrongdoing.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure that the project is completed on time
blame

Use 'blame' when you want to discuss assigning responsibility for a negative event or situation, often informally. It has a slightly negative connotation and implies judgment.

  • She blamed him for the mistake on the report

Examples of usage

  • The company accepted full culpability for the environmental disaster.
  • The court determined his culpability in the crime.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, culpability is assessed to determine the level of guilt, often classifying actions as intentional, reckless, or negligent.
  • Different types of culpability can affect sentencing, such as being more culpable for premeditated acts than impulsive ones.
  • Culpability can also extend to organizations, not just individuals, holding companies liable for wrongful actions.

Psychology

  • Understanding culpability is crucial in psychology, as it relates to moral development and how people perceive their own responsibility.
  • Research shows that individuals often rationalize their actions to cope with feelings of guilt or culpability.
  • Culpability can influence decisions in therapy, affecting how clients address their behaviors and actions.

Literature

  • Many novels explore themes of culpability, where characters grapple with their moral choices, such as in Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment.'
  • Shakespeare’s works often highlight human fallibility, showing characters facing the consequences of their culpability.
  • The concept is frequently explored in tragic narratives, where protagonists must confront the fallout of their decisions.

Culture

  • In various cultures, notions of culpability can differ, affecting how societies respond to crime and accountability.
  • Restorative justice practices focus on assigning culpability not just for punishment but also for repairing harm done.
  • Culpability plays a role in folklore, where protagonists must often atone for their mistakes to achieve redemption.

Origin of 'culpability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'culpabilis,' meaning 'blameworthy.'
  • Its root, 'culpa,' translates to 'fault' or 'blame' in Latin, highlighting its connection to responsibility.
  • Culpability has been part of English vocabulary since the early 19th century.

The word 'culpability' originated from the Latin word 'culpabilis', which means 'worthy of blame'. It has been used in legal contexts for centuries to refer to the state of being responsible for a wrongdoing. The concept of culpability is central to the principles of justice and accountability in many legal systems around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,088, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.