Exemption Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exemption

[ษชษกหˆzษ›mpสƒ(ษ™)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tax law

The action of freeing or state of being free from an obligation or liability imposed on others. It is a special allowance or privilege granted to a particular group of people.

Synonyms

dispensation, exception, excuse, immunity.

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Word Description / Examples
exemption

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
immunity

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
exception

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
excuse

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
dispensation

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

Examples of usage

  • He was granted an exemption from paying taxes due to his low income level.
  • The company received an exemption from certain regulations to promote innovation.
Context #2 | Noun

education

The act of being excused from a requirement, such as a class or exam, typically due to special circumstances.

Synonyms

dispensation, reprieve, waiver.

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Word Description / Examples
exemption

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

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

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
reprieve

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
dispensation

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

Examples of usage

  • She received an exemption from the final exam because of a family emergency.
  • Students with a medical condition may be eligible for exemptions from physical education classes.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

Permission granted to participate in a league or competition without meeting all the usual requirements, often given to new teams or individuals.

Synonyms

dispensation, special permission, waiver.

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Word Description / Examples
exemption

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
waiver

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
special permission

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
dispensation

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

Examples of usage

  • The team was granted an exemption to join the league despite not having played in the qualifying matches.
  • The player received an exemption to compete in the tournament without meeting the age limit.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word has roots in the Latin term 'exemptio', meaning 'to take out' or 'to free from obligation'.
  • Exempt status has been part of legal and tax systems for centuries, allowing certain individuals or groups relief from specific duties.
  • In the Middle Ages, some religious institutions were granted exemptions from taxation, influencing modern tax laws.

Law

  • Exemptions play a crucial role in legal systems, allowing specific groups (like non-profits) to operate without certain taxes.
  • Certain demographics, such as students or military personnel, may receive exemptions for various obligations, such as taxes or duties.
  • Legal exemptions can often lead to disputes, requiring clear documentation and justification.

Education

  • In education, exemptions can allow students to skip certain classes or requirements based on prior knowledge or experience.
  • Students with disabilities may receive exemptions from standard testing to ensure fair assessment.
  • Some educational programs provide exemptions from prerequisites if students demonstrate sufficient understanding of a subject.

Economics

  • Tax exemptions are an economic tool that governments use to incentivize businesses and encourage certain activities, like charity.
  • Countries often have varying exemption laws, impacting trade and investment decisions significantly.
  • Some industries, like renewable energy, receive exemptions to promote environmental sustainability.

Culture

  • Cultural practices sometimes allow exemptions for religious observances, enabling individuals to forgo certain responsibilities temporarily.
  • In some countries, exemptions for age groups can reflect cultural attitudes toward youth or elder citizens.
  • Exemptions can shape social policies, creating debates on fairness and equality in diverse societies.

Origin of 'exemption'

The word 'exemption' originated from the Latin word 'exemptio', which means 'a release or freeing from'. The concept of exemption has been present in various societies throughout history, often as a way to grant special privileges or allowances to certain individuals or groups. In modern usage, exemptions are commonly found in legal, educational, and sports contexts, providing flexibility and relief from specific requirements or obligations.


See also: exempt.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,827, 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.