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Absolution Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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absolution

[ˌæb.səˈluː.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious

Absolution is the act of being formally forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance. It is a declaration that a person's sins have been forgiven by God.

Synonyms

forgiveness, pardon, remission.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absolution

Typically used in a religious context where a priest grants forgiveness for sins during the sacrament of confession.

  • The priest gave her absolution for her sins.
  • He sought absolution in the church to find peace.
forgiveness

Commonly used in everyday situations when someone feels sorry for a mistake and wants to be excused by the other person.

  • She begged for her friend's forgiveness after the argument.
  • Forgiveness can heal many broken relationships.
pardon

Frequent in legal or formal contexts where someone is formally released from punishment or legal consequences.

  • The governor granted him a pardon a few days before his release date.
  • She asked for a pardon from the council for her mistake.
remission

Often used in the context of canceling a debt or punishment, or referring to a period during which symptoms of a disease are reduced or disappear.

  • His sentence was reduced to probation after serving two years, thanks to the remission he received.
  • The disease went into remission after several months of treatment.

Examples of usage

  • The priest granted absolution to the penitent after he confessed his sins.
  • Receiving absolution brought a sense of relief and peace to the believer.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Absolution can also refer to a formal declaration of forgiveness or release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.

Synonyms

acquittal, exoneration, pardon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
absolution

Typically used in a religious context to refer to the formal forgiveness of sins.

  • The priest granted him absolution after he confessed.
  • She sought absolution for her wrongdoings.
exoneration

This term is used when someone is officially cleared of blame or responsibility, often after being accused or suspected of wrongdoing.

  • The new evidence led to his exoneration.
  • Exoneration brought peace to his family after years of accusations.
acquittal

Used in a legal context when someone is formally declared not guilty of a crime.

  • The jury's acquittal meant he was free to go.
  • Her acquittal was a relief after a long court battle.
pardon

This is used when a person is officially forgiven for an offense or crime, usually by a person in authority, like a president or a governor.

  • The governor granted him a pardon.
  • She received a presidential pardon after serving ten years in prison.

Examples of usage

  • The court's absolution of the defendant was met with mixed reactions from the public.
  • Her sincere apology led to absolution from her friends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, absolution is a sacramental practice where a priest forgives a penitent's sins.
  • The concept of absolution plays a critical role in the Rite of Reconciliation, offering a fresh start for believers.
  • Catholics believe that receiving absolution can restore one's relationship with God.

Philosophical Perspectives

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of forgiveness, often linking it to moral philosophy and ethical behavior.
  • Absolution challenges notions of guilt and responsibility in human relations and social ethics.
  • Some thinkers view the act of absolution as essential for personal growth and societal harmony.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, the process of seeking absolution can alleviate feelings of guilt and lead to emotional healing.
  • Research shows that forgiving oneself, akin to receiving absolution, can reduce anxiety and improve mental health.
  • The act of forgiving others is often seen as a path to personal freedom from resentment.

Cultural Representations

  • Absolution is often explored in literature and film, depicting characters seeking forgiveness and redemption.
  • Various cultures have their own rituals for granting forgiveness, highlighting the universal need for absolution.
  • In music, many artists write about themes of guilt and the search for absolution, resonating deeply with listeners.

Origin of 'absolution'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'absolutio', meaning 'to set free' or 'to release'.
  • It combines 'ab-' (from) and 'solvere' (to loosen), which implies loosening from blame.
  • In Old French, it shifted to 'absolution', keeping the core meaning intact.

The word 'absolution' originated from Latin 'absolutio', which means 'release' or 'deliverance'. In Christian theology, absolution is closely tied to the concept of forgiveness and the remission of sins through the sacrament of penance. The practice of granting absolution has a long history within the Christian Church, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,675, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.