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Guiltless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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guiltless

[หˆษกษชltlษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Free from guilt; innocent; not responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.

Synonyms

blameless, innocent, pure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guiltless

Used when someone has not committed any wrongdoing or does not carry any blame for a specific action.

  • She was found guiltless in the investigation
innocent

Commonly used to describe someone who is not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. Also can denote naivety or simplicity.

  • He was innocent of all charges
  • The child gave an innocent smile
blameless

Used when someone is completely free from blame or responsibility for a bad situation. Suitable in formal or serious contexts.

  • The maintenance crew was blameless for the accident
pure

Used to describe someone or something that is morally clean or untainted. Often used in a broader, more idealistic sense.

  • Her intentions were pure
  • The water in the mountain stream is pure

Examples of usage

  • She felt guiltless in the matter as she had not been involved in the decision-making process.
  • He was found guiltless of all charges due to lack of evidence.
Context #2 | Adjective

action

Without guilt or fault; not deserving blame.

Synonyms

blameless, innocent, pure.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a guiltless smile, knowing she had done nothing wrong.
  • The jury declared him guiltless of any wrongdoing.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Guilt can be a complex emotion, often tied to moral or ethical standards, while feeling guiltless typically leads to a more positive self-esteem.
  • Studies in psychology show that individuals who can forgive themselves and feel guiltless often exhibit higher levels of mental well-being.
  • People struggling with guilt may experience anxiety and depression, whereas those feeling guiltless may find it easier to navigate social situations.

Literature

  • In literature, guiltless characters are often portrayed as heroes who uphold virtue, as seen in classic fairy tales.
  • Guiltless figures in novels frequently serve as a contrast to flawed characters, highlighting themes of redemption and forgiveness.
  • Famous literary works explore the journey from guilt to guiltlessness, showcasing personal growth and moral dilemmas.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, being guiltless is celebrated as a virtue, reflecting a strong moral foundation and honor.
  • Various religions promote the idea of being guiltless through forgiveness and repentance, emphasizing a path towards inner peace.
  • Eastern philosophies often embrace the concept of living in harmony, where guiltlessness is seen as an ideal state of being.

Origin of 'guiltless'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'guiltless' comes from combining 'guilt,' which means feeling bad for something wrong, and 'less,' meaning without.
  • It first appeared in English texts around the late 14th century, indicating innocence or freedom from blame.
  • Old English had 'gylt,' meaning a crime or sin, which evolved into the modern understanding of guilt.

The word 'guiltless' dates back to the 14th century and is derived from the combination of 'guilt' and the suffix '-less', which means 'without'. It has been used in English literature and legal contexts to describe individuals or actions that are free from guilt or blame.

See also: guilt, guiltily, guiltlessly, guiltlessness, guilty.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,444, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.