Word
absolution
Phoneticsab·so·lu·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌæbsəˈɫuʃən/
UK/ˌæbsəlˈuːʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a formal statement that says someone is not guilty of a crime or a sin. It is often used in religious or legal contexts to clear a person's name.
n. the formal act of releasing someone from guilt or punishment for a crime or sin. Often used in legal or ecclesiastical contexts to signify a formal clearance.
Examples
“The judge gave him a full absolution for his mistake.”
“After years of being a suspect, the suspect finally received a public absolution when the evidence was proven to be false.”
“The king granted a royal absolution to the traitor, effectively erasing the historical record of his rebellion and allowing him to return to court.”
Examples
simple
“The judge gave him a full absolution for his mistake.”
contextual
“After years of being a suspect, the suspect finally received a public absolution when the evidence was proven to be false.”
complex
“The king granted a royal absolution to the traitor, effectively erasing the historical record of his rebellion and allowing him to return to court.”
Etymology
From Middle English absolucion, absolucioun, from Old French absolution, from Latin absolūtiōnem, accusative singular of absolūtiō (“acquittal”), from absolvō (“absolve”). See also absolve.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/absolution