What does Mea Culpa signify?

The phrase "Mea Culpa" is a Latin expression that translates to "my fault" or "through my fault." It is used to acknowledge one's own error or wrongdoing, effectively serving as a personal confession or admission of guilt. When someone uses this phrase, they are taking responsibility for their actions, indicating accountability for a mistake or a misjudgment. This aligns perfectly with the concept of accepting blame rather than deflecting it.

Understanding this, it's clear that the correct answer accurately conveys the essence of the phrase as it encapsulates the idea of owning up to a fault, while other interpretations may not fully encompass this notion of personal responsibility. Expressing remorse or issuing a formal apology may be related concepts but do not directly translate to the specific admission of guilt that "Mea Culpa" represents.