Exemption: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in legal, financial, or taxation contexts to indicate freedom or relief from a duty or requirement.

• She received a tax exemption due to her charitable donations
• Students with high grades may apply for an exemption from certain exams

Used in legal, medical, or biological contexts to indicate protection or resistance against specific legal actions or diseases.

• He was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony
• Vaccination can provide immunity against certain diseases

Indicates something or someone that is not included in a general rule or does not follow the norm.

• There are no meetings on Mondays, with the exception of the first Monday of the month
• Every rule has an exception

Refers to a reason given to justify an action, often implying an attempt to avoid blame; can have a negative connotation.

• He always has an excuse for being late
• Stop making excuses and get the work done

Used in formal or religious contexts to refer to special permission or relaxation of a rule.

• The bishop granted a dispensation allowing the church to change the schedule
• Under special dispensation, the curfew was extended by an hour

Use when referring to being freed from an obligation or requirement.

• Students with high grades may receive an exemption from the final exam

Use when someone voluntarily gives up a right or claim, often in legal or contractual situations.

• He signed a waiver, giving up his right to sue the company

Use when referring to a temporary delay or relief from something difficult or unpleasant, often from punishment.

• The prisoner received a last-minute reprieve from the governor, postponing the execution

Use in formal or legal contexts when referring to permission not to follow a rule or law, often granted by an authority.

• The company received a special dispensation from the government to operate during the lockdown

Used when someone is officially allowed not to do something or not to pay something that others are required to do or pay.

• She received a tax exemption for her charitable donations

Used when someone is formally relinquishing or giving up a right or requirement, often used in legal or contractual contexts.

• He signed a waiver, renouncing his right to sue the company

Generally used when someone needs to obtain explicit authorization to do something unusual or normally disallowed.

• You need special permission to access this restricted area

Often used in legal or religious contexts to mean permission to do something that is normally not allowed or is outside the usual rules.

• The church granted him a special dispensation to marry despite the usual waiting period