Reading Theme:
Criminal Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：relating to crime (criminal)
criminal
/ˈkrɪmɪnl/
adj.
Describes anything that is connected to a crime or illegal activities that break the law.
relating to crime
➕
/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tə kraɪm/
adj.
Describes anything that is connected to a crime or illegal activities that break the law.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'crimin-' (stem of 'crimen' meaning crime) derived from 'cernere' (to decide or sift).
💡 Mnemonic
Remember 'crime' + 'al' = related to crime. The 'crim' sound directly links to law-breaking actions.
📖 Example
The loud noise from the shop was a criminal offense against the city's noise pollution laws.
The loud noise from the shop was a criminal offense against the city's noise pollution laws.
🔗 Collocations
criminal offense – an act that violates the law
criminal record – a documented history of a person's crimes
criminal activity – actions that are illegal or against the law
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
lawful (adj.) – conforming to or permitted by law
legal (adj.) – allowed by the law
legitimate (adj.) – conforming to recognized rules or standards
🌱 Derivatives
criminally (adv.) – in a manner that relates to crime
criminality (n.) – the state of being criminal
criminalize (v.) – to make an act illegal
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'crimen' (accusation, crime). In ancient Rome, it referred to a formal charge. By the 15th century, it described acts against the law, evolving into modern legal terminology.
Meaning 2：lawbreaker (criminal)
criminal
/ˈkrɪmɪnl/
adj.
A person who has committed a crime and has been found guilty by law.
lawbreaker
➕
/ˈlɔːˌbreɪkər/
adj.
A person who has committed a crime and has been found guilty by law.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The famous actor's past as a convicted criminal shocked many of his young fans.
The famous actor's past as a convicted criminal shocked many of his young fans.
🔗 Collocations
convicted criminal – a person found guilty of a crime by a court
violent criminal – an offender who uses physical force
repeat offender – a criminal who commits multiple crimes
🔄 Synonyms
offender (n.) – a person who commits an illegal act
felon (n.) – a person who has committed a serious crime
lawbreaker (n.) – someone who violates the law
🚫 Antonyms
law-abiding citizen (n.) – a person who obeys the law
innocent (adj.) – not guilty of a crime
🌱 Derivatives
criminality (n.) – the state of being a criminal
Wordbook
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