Basic Details
Word: Culpability
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The responsibility for a wrongdoing or fault; being guilty of a crime or misdeed.
Synonyms: Guilt, blame, responsibility
Antonyms: Innocence, faultlessness
Idioms and Phrases
- To wash one's hands of something: To refuse to take responsibility for something. Example: "When he realised the project was failing, he decided to wash his hands of it completely."
- To carry the can: To take the blame for something. Example: "Even though he didnt make the mistake, he was left to carry the can for the entire team."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The judge determined the person's culpability in the crime after examining all the evidence presented in court.
Example 2: Even though she was present at the scene, her culpability was questioned since she hadnt participated in the wrongdoing.
Example 3: The company faced scrutiny over its culpability in the environmental damage caused by its industrial activities.
Fun Fact
The term "culpability" comes from the Latin word "culpa," which means "guilt" or "blame." It reflects the idea of being responsible for an act that is considered wrong or unlawful.
Famous Quote
"The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist." Charles Baudelaire. This quote highlights the idea of culpability, as it suggests that sometimes wrongdoing is hidden or denied.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "culpability" mean?
a) Joy in success
b) Responsibility for wrongdoing
c) Ability to forgive
d) Skill in a subject
Answer: b) Responsibility for wrongdoing
2. Which of these is a synonym of "culpability"?
a) Joy
b) Blame
c) Success
d) Peace
Answer: b) Blame
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "culpability"?
a) Guilt
b) Innocence
c) Responsibility
d) Blame
Answer: b) Innocence
4. Which sentence uses "culpability" correctly?
a) She was filled with culpability when she won the prize.
b) His culpability was evident in the way he avoided answering questions.
c) There was culpability in her laughter during the serious game.
d) Culpability is something we celebrate in parties.
Answer: b) His culpability was evident in the way he avoided answering questions.
5. What does the idiom "to wash one's hands of something" mean?
a) To claim responsibility
b) To ignore a problem
c) To take part in wrongdoing
d) To help someone in need
Answer: b) To ignore a problem
