criminal · noun C /ˈkrɪm.ən.əl/
Word family
Nouns: crime, criminal
Adjectives: criminal, incriminating
Verbs: incriminate
Adverbs: criminally
criminal
B1 someone who commits a crime
Dictionary example:
a dangerous/violent criminal
Learner example:
At least he didn't attack me, and he even lent me his cell phone, he was such a gentle criminal. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)
criminal · adjective always before noun /ˈkrɪm.ən.əl/
Word family
Nouns: crime, criminal
Adjectives: criminal, incriminating
Verbs: incriminate
Adverbs: criminally
criminal
B2 relating to crime
Dictionary examples:
criminal activity
a criminal act/offence
a criminal investigation
I didn't know he had a criminal record.
Learner example:
In spite of his criminal background I came to believe that man and also like him. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)
