absolve
Medium difficulty
What does “absolve” mean?
to declare someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
SAT Usage
The term is often found in contexts related to morality, justice, or forgiveness, frequently reflecting themes of redemption or legal proceedings. It emphasizes the act of formally clearing someone of blame, distinguishing itself from similar terms like "pardon," which suggests a more general forgiveness without the implication of a formal declaration.
Common Confusions
Do not choose absolve if the context emphasizes blame or responsibility rather than declaring someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment.
Example Sentences
-
The evidence helped absolve the defendant of all charges.
Word Parts: How to Remember “absolve”
Break “absolve” into its parts: ab- (away from, off). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
-
Prefix:
ab-away from, off (Latin)