absolution
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “absolution” mean?
noun.formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in passages discussing morality, religion, or personal redemption. It emphasizes the notion of forgiveness or liberation from moral or legal consequences, highlighting the weight of guilt and the desire for reconciliation, which distinguishes it from mere forgiveness or pardon that may not involve a formal process.
Common Confusions
Absolution implies a formal release from guilt or punishment, while forgiveness usually suggests a more personal and informal act of letting go of resentment or blame.
Example Sentences
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She sought absolution for her past mistakes through community service.
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She sought absolution for her past mistakes.
Word Parts: How to Remember “absolution”
Break “absolution” into its parts: ab- (away from, off). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ab-away from, off (Latin)