exempt
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not having to do something or pay something that is usually required.
adj.free from an obligation, duty, or liability to which others are subject.
Simple“Small businesses are often exempt from certain taxes to help them grow.”
In context“Charitable organisations are typically exempt from property taxes, provided they can demonstrate that their activities serve a clear public benefit.”
Usageusually followed by the preposition 'from'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
v.to give someone permission not to do or pay something.
v.to free or permit a person or entity to remain free from a requirement or obligation.
Simple“The school decided to exempt him from the final exam because of his high grades.”
In context“The new legislation allows the minister to exempt specific industries from the carbon cap if they implement approved green technologies.”
Usagetakes a direct object and is followed by 'from'.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.someone who does not have to follow a rule or pay a tax.
n.a person who has been released from an obligation or duty.
Simple“The tax office keeps a list of all the exempts in this category.”
In context“The report categorised the applicants into those who were fully liable and the few exempts who met the strict medical criteria.”
Synonyms
“Albanese said he asked Trump to exempt Australia from a newly announced 12.5% tariff based on a supposed failure to crack down on forced labor.”
“But it has called for more offenders to be exempt from the early release scheme, saying that is necessary to “ensure public protection is achievable”.”
From Middle French exempt, from Latin exemptus, past participle of eximō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.