Not Guilty Meaning: Legal Definition and Examples

Meaning 1：innocent (not guilty)

not guilty 🔊

/nɑːt ˈɡɪlti/

adj. (phrase)

A legal decision that a person did not commit the crime they were accused of. Also used to say you are not responsible for something bad.

Not guilty verdict in courtroom scene with relieved defendant

innocent 🔊

➕

/ˈɪn.ə.sənt/

adj. (phrase)

A legal conclusion that the accused did not commit the alleged crime, or that one is free from blame for a wrongdoing.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Not (negative prefix) + guilty (from Old English gyltig, meaning criminal or at fault)

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a judge saying 'Not guilty' — the accused is free from the burden of guilt, like a balloon released into the sky.

📖 Example

The judge looked at the jury's verdict and announced, "We find the defendant not guilty." 🔊 A judge reads the jury's decision stating that the accused is innocent of the charges.

🔗 Collocations

plead not guilty – To formally declare in court that one did not commit the crime.

verdict of not guilty – The official decision by a judge or jury that the accused is innocent.

not guilty by reason of insanity – A legal defense claiming the defendant lacked mental capacity to be criminally responsible.

🔄 Synonyms

innocent (adj.) – Not guilty of a crime or offense; blameless.

acquitted (adj.) – Formally declared free from criminal charges after a trial.

exonerated (adj.) – Officially relieved of blame or guilt.

🚫 Antonyms

guilty (adj.) – Responsible for committing a crime or wrongdoing.

convicted (adj.) – Found guilty of a criminal charge by a court.

culpable (adj.) – Deserving blame for a fault or crime.

🌱 Derivatives

guilt (n.) – The fact or state of having committed a crime or offense.

guiltily (adv.) – In a manner showing feelings of guilt.

unguilty (adj.) – Not guilty; innocent (rare usage).

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English 'gyltig' (guilt). In common law, 'not guilty' is the plea or verdict denying criminal responsibility, a cornerstone of the presumption of innocence.