exonerate

What does “exonerate” mean?

verb.to absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case.

SAT Usage

this term is often found in passages related to justice, legal issues, or moral dilemmas. It emphasizes the process of clearing someone’s name after a thorough examination of evidence, highlighting themes of fairness and integrity, distinguishing it from terms like "pardon," which may imply a more unilateral act of forgiveness without the same level of scrutiny.

Common Confusions

Exonerate implies a thorough investigation leading to the clearing of blame, while pardon usually suggests a unilateral act of forgiveness without the same depth of examination of the circumstances.

Example Sentences

• The jury voted to exonerate her of all charges.

• After a thorough investigation, the detective was able to exonerate the wrongly accused man, proving that he had been at work during the robbery.

Word Parts: How to Remember “exonerate”

Break “exonerate” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ex- out of, from (Latin)