Definitions and Examples of exonerate, absolve, acquit
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To clear someone of blame or accusation.
Example
The DNA evidence exonerated the suspect, proving his innocence.
To declare someone free from guilt or responsibility.
Example
The priest absolved the penitent of his sins after he confessed.
To find someone not guilty of a crime or offense.
Example
The jury acquitted the defendant of all charges due to lack of evidence.
Key Differences: exonerate vs absolve vs acquit
- 1Exonerate implies that the person was falsely accused and is now cleared of any wrongdoing.
- 2Absolve suggests that the person may have been responsible for the act, but is forgiven or released from blame.
- 3Acquit is a legal term that means the person has been found not guilty of a crime or offense.
Effective Usage of exonerate, absolve, acquit
- 1Legal Context: Use exonerate, absolve, and acquit in legal settings to describe the outcome of a trial or investigation.
- 2News Reporting: Incorporate these antonyms in news articles to report on court cases and legal proceedings.
- 3Personal Communication: Use these words to express forgiveness or to clear someone's name in personal conversations.
Remember this!
The antonyms of culpate are exonerate, absolve, and acquit. These words convey the opposite meaning of holding someone responsible for a wrongdoing or fault. Use them in legal contexts, news reporting, or personal communication to describe the outcome of a trial or investigation, report on court cases, or express forgiveness.