'Gilt' is a thin layer of gold applied to a surface, or the adjective gilded/golden; 'guilt' is the feeling of having done wrong.
Noun/adjective. A thin layer of gold applied to a surface. The adjective: covered with gold ('gilt-edged' securities are the safest investments). Also: a young female pig (farming).
The picture frame was covered in gilt, giving it an opulent golden appearance.
Gilt-edged government bonds are considered the safest investment in British markets.
She could see the gilt was peeling from the old mirror frame after decades of humidity.
Noun. The feeling of having done something wrong or being responsible for harm. Legal or moral responsibility for wrongdoing.
She felt overwhelming guilt about missing her colleague's leaving party.
The jury found the defendant not guilty — guilt had not been proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Survivor guilt affects many people who come through a disaster when others did not.
Common mistake
"She carried great gilt about her decision" when meaning remorse (correct: guilt). Or "The guilt on the picture frame" when meaning the gold coating (correct: gilt). Perfect homophones.
Trick to remember it
'Gilt' = GILT like 'gilded' — golden surface. 'Guilt' = GUILT like 'built' on a foundation of wrongdoing — the T and the weight of the word.
Quick rule
Is it the gold surface coating or the golden adjective? 'Gilt'. Is it the feeling of wrongdoing? 'Guilt'.
Did you know?
'Gilt-edged' came from books bound with gold leaf on their page edges — a mark of quality and permanence. British government bonds are called 'gilts' (short for gilt-edged securities) because they were traditionally printed on gilt-edged paper. Psychologists distinguish guilt from shame: guilt is 'I did something bad' (focused on the act), shame is 'I am bad' (focused on the self). Guilt can motivate repair; shame tends to lead to withdrawal. 'Guilt trip' (making someone feel guilty) entered English slang in the 1970s.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
He carried the _____ of his decision for years, wishing he had chosen differently.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The antique mirror had a _____ frame that had lost its shine over centuries.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it the gold surface coating or the golden adjective? 'Gilt'. Is it the feeling of wrongdoing? 'Guilt'.
"She carried great gilt about her decision" when meaning remorse (correct: guilt). Or "The guilt on the picture frame" when meaning the gold coating (correct: gilt). Perfect homophones.
'Gilt' = GILT like 'gilded' — golden surface. 'Guilt' = GUILT like 'built' on a foundation of wrongdoing — the T and the weight of the word.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy