Word
exempt
Phoneticsex·empt, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪɡˈzɛmpt/
UK/ɛɡzˈɛmpt/
Definitions
01free from a duty
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.
“Small businesses are often exempt from certain taxes to help them grow.”
“Charitable organisations are typically exempt from property taxes, provided they can demonstrate that their activities serve a clear public benefit.”
Usage
usually followed by the preposition 'from'.
02to release from a rule
C1 · Advanced Formal
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.
“The school decided to exempt him from the final exam because of his high grades.”
“The new legislation allows the minister to exempt specific industries from the carbon cap if they implement approved green technologies.”
Usage
takes a direct object and is followed by 'from'.
03a person who is excused
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Technical
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.
“The tax office keeps a list of all the exempts in this category.”
“The report categorised the applicants into those who were fully liable and the few exempts who met the strict medical criteria.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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”.” Etymology
From Middle French exempt, from Latin exemptus, past participle of eximō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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