Culpable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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culpable
[ˈkʌlpəbəl ]
Definition
legal term
Deserving blame; guilty of committing a crime or wrongdoing.
Synonyms
blameworthy, guilty, responsible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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culpable |
Culpable is used when someone is considered to be responsible for something bad or wrong, but not necessarily with legal implications. It often implies a moral fault or responsibility.
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guilty |
Guilty is often used when someone has been found or declared to have committed a crime or moral wrongdoing. It has a strong legal connotation and is also used to express personal feelings of guilt.
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blameworthy |
Blameworthy is used in situations where someone deserves blame for a mistake or wrongdoing. It carries a moral connotation and is often used in ethical discussions.
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responsible |
Responsible is a more neutral term used to indicate someone is in charge of or accountable for something. It is used in both positive and negative contexts, without strong moral or legal implications.
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Examples of usage
- He was found culpable for the theft.
- The evidence made him culpable for the fraud.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'culpable'
The word 'culpable' originated from the Latin word 'culpabilis', which means 'deserving blame'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. In legal contexts, 'culpable' is often associated with criminal responsibility and accountability for wrongful actions.