BharatNotes Culpability
noun (uncountable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The Central Vigilance Commission's inquiry found diminished culpability in the junior engineer's case, as documentary evidence showed that approvals had been granted under pressure from a superior whose instructions overrode standard QA protocols.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
culpable (adjective), culpably (adverb), inculpate (verb), exculpate (verb), culprit (noun)
Root
Latin culpa = fault, blame + -abilis = capable of + -ity = state of
Etymology
From Latin culpabilis (blameworthy), derived from culpa (fault, blame). The root culpa is also the source of mea culpa (my fault), a phrase that entered English directly from Latin liturgy. The word entered English in the 17th century, primarily in legal contexts, to denote blameworthiness that creates liability. The same root gives 'culprit' — from Law French cul prit (guilty-ready, i.e., ready to prove guilty).
Memory Hook
CULPA = FAULT (mea culpa = my fault): Culpability is your fault-ability — how much fault can be attached to you. Think of the phrase 'MEA CULPA' Catholics recite: 'through my most grievous fault.' Culpability is that very fault measured and assigned.
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