Definition

Adverb: - In a manner that shows or suggests a feeling of guilt, remorse, or responsibility for a perceived offense, fault, or mistake.

Usage

The adverb "guiltily" is used to describe how an action is performed, specifically indicating that the action is accompanied by a sense of guilt. It modifies verbs, often those related to communication, reaction, or movement. - It typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of a clause. - It describes the demeanor or emotional state of the subject while performing an action.

Examples

• She glanced at the broken vase.
• "I ate the last cookie," he admitted .
• He hid the evidence before anyone could see it.
• They laughed , knowing they weren't supposed to be there.

Advanced Usage

• "To feel guiltily": While less common, it can be used with verbs of feeling to intensify the emotion.
  • She felt guiltily responsible for the team's failure.
• Used to convey a subtle, often non-verbal, admission of fault through behavior.
  • He smiled guiltily, confirming our suspicions.

Variants and Related Words

• Guilty (Adjective): Responsible for a specified wrongdoing; feeling or showing guilt.
  • He had a guilty conscience.
• Guilt (Noun): The fact of having committed a breach of conduct, especially a crime; a feeling of responsibility for some offense.
  • She was consumed by guilt.
• Guiltlessness (Noun): The state of being free from guilt.
• Guilt-ridden (Adjective): Oppressed or dominated by feelings of guilt.

Synonyms

• Remorsefully: In a way that expresses deep regret for a wrong committed.
• Ashamedly: In a manner showing embarrassment or shame due to awareness of a fault.
• Contritely: In a way that shows sincere remorse and a desire to make amends.
• Penitently: In a manner expressing sorrow for having done wrong.

Antonyms

• Innocently: In a manner free from guilt or wrongdoing.
• Unashamedly: In a manner without shame or guilt.
• Blamelessly: In a manner free from blame or guilt.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• With a guilty conscience: While not an adverb, this phrase is a related expression describing the state of feeling guilty.
  • He acted with a guilty conscience, always looking over his shoulder.
• Look/feel guilty as sin: (Idiomatic) To appear or feel extremely guilty.
  • He looked guilty as sin when questioned.

Adverb

1. in the manner of someone who has committed an offense
   • she blushed guiltily as she spoke