Guiltily

Guiltily describes an action, expression, or manner performed with a sense of shame, remorse, or awareness of having done something wrong. It implies a feeling of culpability and often involves attempting to conceal the wrongdoing or its consequences. The emotion arises from violating a moral code, breaking a rule, or causing harm to oneself or others. The individual may exhibit telltale signs like furtive glances, a change in demeanor, or an eagerness to justify their actions, even if unprompted. Essentially, it showcases an internal struggle with one's conscience.

Guiltily meaning with examples

• He glanced guiltily at the broken vase, knowing he'd been too rough during the game. His mother's disappointed look intensified his shame, and he stammered an apology, avoiding eye contact. He considered fabricating a story to deflect blame but couldn't bring himself to lie, his conscience, filled with the heavy weight of his actions, preventing the false narrative from even reaching his lips.
• The dog, having devoured the steak left on the counter, looked guiltily at its owner. Tail tucked between its legs and ears drooping, it seemed to understand it had transgressed. The owner, though annoyed, couldn't help but soften, seeing the genuine remorse reflected in its eyes, that feeling of being caught, that feeling of having done wrong.
• She slipped the letter under the door guiltily, hoping to confess her feelings without being seen. The words felt both liberating and shameful as she hoped for a positive reaction. The weight of her hidden affection was now out of her control, and the outcome was a painful waiting game. The letter left her exposed and vulnerable and she hoped she had done the right thing.
• After sneaking out past curfew, the teenager returned home guiltily, bracing for the lecture ahead. He carefully avoided making eye contact and kept his responses to a minimum, knowing he deserved the scolding. He wished he could rewind time, but unfortunately, he could not, and this feeling of embarrassment and guilt was here to stay until his mother accepted his remorse.