What does "exemption" mean?

1. (freedom from a rule) permission to not follow a rule or duty that usually applies to everyone. 2. (tax reduction) a specific amount of money that you do not have to pay tax on.

How do you use "exemption"?

Commonly followed by the preposition 'from'. Typically functions as a countable noun in financial contexts.

exemption

US //ɪɡˈzɛmpʃən// UK //ɛɡzˈɛmpʃən// ex·emp·tion

1 freedom from a rule (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

permission to not follow a rule or duty that usually applies to everyone.

the state of being excused from a requirement, duty, or obligation. Often used with the preposition 'from'.

Example

He was granted an exemption from military service because of his health problems.

Example

The university granted her an exemption from the introductory language course based on her high score on the placement exam.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'from'.
- obligation
- liability
2 tax reduction (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

a specific amount of money that you do not have to pay tax on.

a reduction in the amount of income or property that is subject to taxation.

Example

Families with many children may be eligible for a special tax exemption.

Example

The government introduced a new tax exemption for small businesses to encourage investment in green technology.

Usage

Typically functions as a countable noun in financial contexts.
- deduction
- allowance

Origin

From Old French exemption, from Latin exemptiō, from eximō, equivalent to exempt + -ion.