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'Gilt' is a thin layer of gold applied to a surface, or the adjective gilded/golden; 'guilt' is the feeling of having done wrong.
Side-by-side comparison
"Gilt" describes something covered with gold or having a golden appearance. "Gilt-edged" = gold-edged, or in finance, of the highest security.
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.
"Guilt" is the feeling of having done something wrong, or legal responsibility for a crime. "Guilt-free" = without guilt or remorse.
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 felt gilt about missing the meeting" passes spell-check because "gilt" is a real word, but it is about gold, not blame. For the feeling, the U comes before the I: guilt.
Trick to remember it
- •"Gilt" = GILT like "gilded": golden surface.
- •"Guilt" = GUILT like "built" on a foundation of wrongdoing.
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" began as a description of luxury books bound with gold leaf on their page edges. From there it moved to describe British government bonds, called "gilts", because they were printed on gilt-edged paper and considered the safest investment available. In psychology, "guilt" is carefully distinguished from "shame": guilt is "I did something bad" and motivates repair; shame is "I am bad" and tends to produce social withdrawal. This distinction, studied in depth by psychologist June Tangney, has important therapeutic implications for clinical practice.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
She felt enormous _____ after forgetting her friend's birthday.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The picture frame had a beautiful _____ finish. It looked very elegant.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
One means to receive or agree to something, the other means to exclude or not include.
'Advice' is the guidance you receive (noun); 'advise' is the act of giving that guidance (verb).
'Affect' is the verb meaning to influence something; 'effect' is the noun meaning result or consequence.
'Aisle' is the walkway between rows of seats or shelves; 'isle' is a small island.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy