Definitions and Examples of absolve, exculpate, exonerate
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To declare someone free from guilt, responsibility, or blame.
Example
The court absolved him of all charges after finding no evidence against him.
To clear someone from blame or fault; to prove someone's innocence.
Example
The new evidence presented in court helped to exculpate the defendant.
To officially declare someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The investigation exonerated him of all charges, and he was released from prison.
Key Differences: absolve vs exculpate vs exonerate
- 1Absolve is often used in a religious context, where a person is forgiven for their sins.
- 2Exculpate is used when someone is cleared of blame or fault, often in a legal context.
- 3Exonerate is used when someone is declared not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, often by an official authority.
Effective Usage of absolve, exculpate, exonerate
- 1Legal Context: Use absolve, exculpate, and exonerate in legal proceedings to describe the outcome of a case.
- 2Moral Context: Use absolve in a religious context to describe forgiveness for sins.
- 3Everyday Context: Use these antonyms to describe situations where someone is cleared of blame or responsibility.
Remember this!
The antonyms of impute are absolve, exculpate, and exonerate. These words convey the opposite meaning of impute, which means to attribute responsibility or blame to someone. Use these words in legal proceedings, religious contexts, or everyday situations to describe the outcome of a case or to describe forgiveness or clearing of blame.
