verb
absolve
uhb-ZOLV
Absolve (verb) means to officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility. Example: “The inquiry absolved the company of any wrongdoing.”
verb
1
To officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility.
"The inquiry absolved the company of any wrongdoing."
"New evidence absolved him of the crime."
2
To formally forgive someone of their sins.
"The priest absolved her during confession."
How to use absolve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially declare someone free of blame or sin.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
absolve of guilt
absolve responsibility
absolve from blame
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- absolves
- Past tense
- absolved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The inquiry _____ the company of any wrongdoing.
Etymology
From Latin absolvere, "to set free" or "acquit," built from ab ("away from") and solvo ("to loosen, release").
Related words
Rhymes for absolve
See all rhymes for absolve →Frequently asked questions
What does “absolve” mean?
The word “absolve” means to officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility. In plain terms, to officially declare someone free of blame or sin.
How do you pronounce “absolve”?
“Absolve” is pronounced uhb-ZOLV (/æbˈzɑlv/ in IPA).
How do you use “absolve” in a sentence?
Here is “absolve” used in a sentence: “The inquiry absolved the company of any wrongdoing.”
What part of speech is “absolve”?
“Absolve” is a verb.
Where does the word “absolve” come from?
The word “absolve” comes from Latin. From Latin absolvere, "to set free" or "acquit," built from ab ("away from") and solvo ("to loosen, release").
How many meanings does “absolve” have?
“Absolve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility.
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