Vocabulary in context
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Absolve
To free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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Imagine This
If you have the capacity to absorb others' faults, you will pardon others for doing bad things to you. Absorb others' faults, and you will pardon others for doing bad things to you. A lawyer, named Ab, has a case in which his client is accused of murder. To get his client away from blame and penalty, Ab needs to solve the case by finding a credible witness.
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Sounds Like
ab-SOLVE
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Looks Like
absorb
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Remember This
Absolve comes from Latin absolvere, meaning to loosen away or set free. It is often used with from or of (absolve from blame, absolve of charges).
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Other Forms
absolutionnoun
absolvernoun
absolvedadjective
absolvingverb (present participle)
absolvesverb (present, third-person singular)
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Connect With
exonerate, acquit, pardon, vindicate, clear
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Note
Absolve means to free from blame or responsibility, not merely to forgive emotionally; the context usually involves legal or formal judgment.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The court absolved the defendant of all charges.
- The priest absolved him of his sins.
Synonyms
exonerateacquitpardonclearvindicate
Antonyms
condemnblamepunishconvict
Etymology
From Latin absolvere, meaning 'to loosen from' or 'to set free' (ab- 'away' + solvere 'to loosen').
Mnemonic
AB-SOLVE: Absent the blame, solve to release guilt — absolve means to free from blame.
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Affable
adjectiveFriendly and easy to talk to; approachable, kind, and polite.
Unsung
adjectiveNot recognized or celebrated; not given credit for one's achievements.
Irreverent
adjectiveShowing a lack of respect for things typically treated with respect or seriousness; often expressed through witty or dismissive humor.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Vindicate
verbTo clear someone of blame or suspicion; to justify or prove something to be right or valid.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
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