Word
vindication
Phoneticsvin·di·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/vɪndəˈkeɪʃən/
UK/vˌɪndɪkˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the act of proving that someone is right or that a belief is true. It is like getting a 'yes' to a question you thought was wrong.
n. the action of proving that a belief or theory is correct, or that someone is innocent of a crime. Often implies a formal or public confirmation of a previous claim.
Examples
“The new evidence was a complete vindication of his theory.”
“After years of being criticized for his management style, the successful merger provided a much-needed vindication.”
“The publication of the internal documents served as a total vindication of the whistleblower's claims, leading to a complete overhaul of the company's safety protocols.”
Examples
simple
“The new evidence was a complete vindication of his theory.”
contextual
“After years of being criticized for his management style, the successful merger provided a much-needed vindication.”
complex
“The publication of the internal documents served as a total vindication of the whistleblower's claims, leading to a complete overhaul of the company's safety protocols.”
Real-World Examples
“The researchers said the findings were a vindication of the low-emission zone policy, which had been criticised as a burden on motorists.” “So this report is tragic vindication for these concerns, now showing that patients have come to harm as a result of this rushed-out and inconsistently applied process.” Etymology
From vindicate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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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