Culpable
mediumNegative toneKUHL-puh-buhl
adjective
Definition
deserving blame for a wrong or fault
Memory hook
CULPABLE shares 'culp' with 'culprit'βthe culprit is CULPABLE; both come from culpa, meaning blame.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
βThe inquiry found the contractor culpable for the bridge's collapse.β
βThough he didn't act alone, he was no less culpable than the others.β
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
βThe inquiry found the contractor ______ for the bridge's collapse.β
Show answer
culpable
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Culpable is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "blameworthy" or "guilty" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "blameless".
Related GRE Words
reprehensible
deserving of strong condemnation or blame
discerning
Having or showing good judgment or understanding
dispassionate
Not influenced by emotion; impartial and objective in judgment
warranted
justified or called for by the circumstances
credulous
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things
disinterested
free from bias or self-interest; impartial
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