Definitions and Examples of acquit, exonerate
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To find someone not guilty of a criminal charge.
Example
The jury decided to acquit the defendant due to lack of evidence.
To clear someone of blame or suspicion for a wrongdoing.
Example
The investigation revealed new evidence that exonerated the suspect.
Key Differences: acquit vs exonerate
- 1Acquit is used specifically in the context of a criminal trial, where a jury or judge finds the defendant not guilty of a crime.
- 2Exonerate is a broader term that can be used in any situation where someone is cleared of blame or suspicion, not just in a legal context.
Effective Usage of acquit, exonerate
- 1Legal Context: Use acquit to describe a situation where a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal trial.
- 2General Context: Use exonerate to describe a situation where someone is cleared of blame or suspicion, not necessarily in a legal context.
Remember this!
The antonyms of convict are acquit and exonerate. Use acquit in a legal context to describe a situation where a defendant is found not guilty of a crime. Use exonerate in a general context to describe a situation where someone is cleared of blame or suspicion, not necessarily in a legal context.