Basic Details
Word: Exonerate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To clear someone from blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing.
Synonyms: Absolve, acquit, vindicate
Antonyms: Accuse, convict, blame
Idioms and Phrases
- To face the music: To confront the consequences of ones actions. Example: "After the misunderstanding, he had to face the music and explain his side."
- To wash one's hands of something: To declare that one is no longer responsible for something. Example: "She decided to wash her hands of the project when it became too complicated."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After a lengthy investigation, the court decided to exonerate him of all charges, proving his innocence.
Example 2: The evidence presented in the trial helped to exonerate the accused, and he was released from prison.
Example 3: She was determined to find new evidence that would exonerate her friend, who had been unfairly blamed.
Fun Fact
The word "exonerate" comes from the Latin word "exonerare," which means "to unburden" or "to relieve of a duty." This reflects the idea of freeing someone from blame or accusation.
Famous Quote
"It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one." Voltaire
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "exonerate" mean?
a) To accuse someone of a crime
b) To clear someone from blame
c) To hide evidence
d) To put someone in prison
Answer: b) To clear someone from blame
2. Which of these is a synonym of "exonerate"?
a) Convict
b) Acquit
c) Blame
d) Charge
Answer: b) Acquit
3. Which of these is an antonym of "exonerate"?
a) Absolve
b) Blame
c) Vindicate
d) Release
Answer: b) Blame
4. Which sentence uses "exonerate" correctly?
a) The detective worked tirelessly to exonerate the wrongfully accused man.
b) She decided to exonerate her homework for being incomplete.
c) The teacher's explanation helped to exonerate the students' concerns about the test.
d) He wanted to exonerate his dog for chewing the shoes.
Answer: a) The detective worked tirelessly to exonerate the wrongfully accused man.
5. Which idiom means to distance oneself from a responsibility?
a) To face the music
b) To wash ones hands of something
c) To turn over a new leaf
d) To let the cat out of the bag
Answer: b) To wash ones hands of something
