Absolve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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absolve

[ษ™bหˆzษ’lv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in religion

To absolve means to formally declare that someone is not guilty or responsible for something, or to forgive them for something they have done. It is often used in a religious context, such as absolving someone of their sins.

Synonyms

exonerate, forgive, pardon.

Examples of usage

  • He was absolved of all his sins by the priest.
  • The priest absolved her of her guilt and she felt a great sense of relief.
Context #2 | Verb

in law

In a legal context, to absolve means to formally declare that someone is not guilty or responsible for a crime or wrongdoing. It is a legal term used in court proceedings.

Synonyms

acquit, clear, exempt.

Examples of usage

  • The jury absolved the defendant of all charges.
  • The judge absolved the company of any liability in the case.
Context #3 | Verb

in general

To absolve can also mean to release someone from an obligation or a promise, freeing them from any further responsibility. It is a more general sense of being relieved from a duty or commitment.

Synonyms

discharge, exempt, release.

Examples of usage

  • She was absolved from attending the meeting due to her illness.
  • The manager absolved him from completing the task as it was no longer necessary.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Usage

  • In legal terms, to absolve someone often relates to their exoneration in a court of law, indicating they are not guilty.
  • Judicial absolution can be a formal declaration, usually delivered by a judge, indicating charges will not be pursued.
  • Absence of past infractions can lead to applicants receiving 'absolution' in contexts like job applications.

Religious Context

  • In many religions, absolution pertains to the forgiveness of sins, often administered by a priest during confession.
  • Catholic teachings emphasize that absolution restores the penitentโ€™s relationship with God after repentance.
  • Ritualistic practices in indigenous cultures may also involve absolution as a means of cleansing and purifying individuals.

Psychological Aspect

  • Psychological studies indicate that granting absolution can lead to emotional relief, reducing guilt and anxiety.
  • Forgiving others is known to aid in personal healing and psychological wellbeing, demonstrating the power of absolution.
  • Karl Menninger, a famous psychiatrist, stated that feeling forgiven can significantly impact a person's mental health.

Literature

  • Absolution appears frequently in literature as a theme of forgiveness, redemption, and moral reckoning.
  • Famous works often involve characters seeking or granting absolution, reflecting internal conflict and resolution.
  • In Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment', the journey towards absolution plays a critical role in the protagonistโ€™s development.

Origin of 'absolve'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'absolvere,' meaning 'to set free' or 'to complete.'
  • In Old French, 'absolver' retained the original meaning through the transition from Latin to English.
  • The prefix 'ab-' means 'from' or 'away,' while 'solv-' relates to loosen or free, contributing to its overall meaning.

The word 'absolve' comes from the Latin word 'absolvere', which means 'to release' or 'to set free'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. Originally, it was primarily used in a religious context to refer to the forgiveness of sins by a priest. Over time, its usage has expanded to include legal and general contexts where the idea of being cleared or freed from guilt or responsibility is applicable.


See also: dissolve, dissolvent, insolvency, insolvent, solvability, solvable, solvent, solver, solving, unsolvable.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,111, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.