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Exempt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exempt

[ษชษกหˆzษ›m(p)t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

from taxes

To free from an obligation or liability to which others are subject. To grant relief or immunity from a rule or requirement.

Synonyms

excuse, exonerate, spare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exempt

Used when someone is freed from an obligation or duty, particularly because they meet certain criteria or standards. Often used in legal, financial, and educational contexts.

  • Students with high grades are exempt from taking the final exam.
  • Certain low-income families are exempt from paying this tax.
excuse

Used to grant permission to someone to be absent from something, often for a specific reason. It can also mean providing a reason or explanation to justify why something was not done.

  • The teacher excused John from class because he was feeling ill.
  • Please excuse my lateness; there was heavy traffic.
spare

Generally used in more casual settings to mean relieving someone from a task, obligation, or experience, often to prevent discomfort or inconvenience.

  • I will spare you the details of the boring meeting.
  • Could you spare me from doing the dishes just this once?
exonerate

Commonly used in legal situations to declare someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing that they were accused of. This term has a strong formal and legal connotation.

  • The jury exonerated the defendant after a lengthy trial.
  • New evidence exonerated her from any involvement in the scandal.

Examples of usage

  • He was exempted from paying taxes due to his low income.
  • The organization was exempt from certain regulations due to its non-profit status.
Context #2 | Adjective

from a particular duty or service

Not subject to a duty or service, especially a tax. Free or released from a duty or liability imposed on others.

Synonyms

immune, unaffected, untaxed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exempt

Used when someone is not required to do something, typically a legal or formal requirement.

  • Students are exempt from paying taxes.
  • He was exempt from military service due to his health condition.
immune

Applicable when someone is protected from something, especially diseases or particular influences.

  • She is immune to the common cold.
  • They were immune to criticism because of their strong self-confidence.
unaffected

Used when someone or something is not influenced or changed by a particular situation.

  • She remained unaffected by the negative comments.
  • The forest remained largely unaffected by the storm.
untaxed

Relevant when discussing items or income that are not subjected to tax.

  • Gifts under a certain amount are untaxed.
  • His inheritance was untaxed due to specific legal exemptions.

Examples of usage

  • Diplomats are usually exempt from paying certain taxes.
  • The company claimed to be exempt from the regulations.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Definitions

  • In tax law, 'exempt' refers to individuals or organizations that do not have to pay certain taxes.
  • Non-profit organizations often receive exempt status, meaning they donโ€™t have to pay income tax, allowing more funds to go towards their missions.

Pop Culture

  • In various movies and TV shows, characters are often shown to be 'exempt' from certain rules, like having a free pass to avoid consequences.
  • Songs and literature sometimes explore themes of exemption, such as being set free from societal rules or expectations.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'exempt' from social rules can lead to positive reinforcement for some, making them more likely to repeat certain behaviors.
  • On the other hand, constant exemption can result in social disconnection or feelings of isolation from the group.

Education

  • Students may be exempt from certain tests if they meet special requirements, such as having a learning disability.
  • Schools often provide exemptions for students in special circumstances, allowing them to focus on other areas of study.

Origin of 'exempt'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exemptus', meaning 'taken out' or 'removed'.
  • It was adopted into Middle English in the late 14th century, retaining its meaning of being free from obligation.

The word 'exempt' originated from the Latin word 'eximere', which means 'to take out'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. The concept of exemption has been present in various societies throughout history, often as a way to grant special privileges or immunities to certain individuals or groups. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of contexts, from tax exemptions to exemptions from rules and regulations.

See also: exemption.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,762, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.