exculpate
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “exculpate” mean?
verb.to show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in legal or moral contexts, particularly in discussions about justice, accountability, or innocence. It emphasizes the act of clearing someone from blame or responsibility, highlighting a formal or authoritative resolution, which distinguishes it from similar terms like "absolve," which can imply a more casual or personal forgiveness rather than a legal vindication.
Common Confusions
Exculpate implies a formal declaration of innocence in a legal context, while absolve usually suggests a more personal act of forgiveness without the legal implications.
Example Sentences
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New DNA evidence helped exculpate the wrongfully convicted man.
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The new evidence presented in court served to exculpate the defendant, revealing that he was miles away from the crime scene at the time of the incident.
Word Parts: How to Remember “exculpate”
Break “exculpate” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ex-out of, from (Latin)