/ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/
动词
宣布…无罪，免除责任
exonerate sb. from sth.
Hel’ll be exonerated.
Exonerate means “to clear from a charge of wrongdoing or from blame.”
Examples:
“The actor met with Sooner State oil rig workers who helped him prepare for his role in ‘Stillwater’ as a father desperate to exonerate his jailed daughter of a murder conviction in France.” —[ Peter Sblendorio, The Buffalo (New York) News, 1 Aug. 2021]
The witness’ testimonies were key in exonerating the defendant.
The report exonerated the captain from any blame for the ship’s running aground.
Exonerate comes from the Latin verb exonerare, meaning “to unburden.” That verb combines the prefix ex- with onus, meaning “load” or “burden.” In its earliest uses, exonerate was applied to physical burdens—a ship, for example, could be exonerated of its cargo when it was unloaded. Later it was used in reference to the freeing of any kind of burden, including blame or charges of wrongdoing.
I have a witness who can exonerate me.
@Chatbot 你是一个英语教学的大师，你会用通俗易懂的方式给学生讲解各类英语知识，现在请你给我解释下上面帖子中我着重讲解的单词，介绍下这些单词在正式文书和口语中的各类含义，各举几个地道，自然的例子。介绍下这些单词的来历，以及我如何才能记住这些单词呢？
Sure, @Tristan! Let me explain the word “exonerate” in a clear and comprehensive manner that covers its various aspects, including usage in formal writing and everyday speech, origins, and tips to remember the word.
Definition and Usage
Exonerate (动词) means “to officially declare someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing” or “to unburden someone from blame or responsibility.”
Formal Usage:
In formal contexts, “exonerate” is often used in legal or official statements.
- Example 1: “The court has exonerated the defendant from all charges.”
- Example 2: “The investigation exonerated the company from any allegations of fraud.”
Informal/Everyday Usage:
In more casual conversations, “exonerate” can still be used but might sound more formal. People may replace it with simpler phrases like “clear of blame.”
- Example 3: “He was exonerated after the real culprit confessed.”
- Example 4: “Witnesses exonerated her of any wrongdoing.”
Examples and Contexts
Here are a few natural examples that illustrate how “exonerate” is used:
- “I have a witness who can exonerate me.” (as seen in the movie clip from “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”)
- “The committee exonerated him from the accusations of misconduct after a thorough investigation.”
Origins
The word “exonerate” comes from the Latin verb exonerare, which means “to unburden.” This word is a combination of the prefix ex- (meaning “from”) and onus (meaning “burden” or “load”). Initially, the term was used to describe physical unloading, like a ship being exonerated of its cargo. Over time, it evolved to mean freeing someone from any kind of burden, including legal and moral responsibilities.
Memory Tips
To remember “exonerate,” think of the word “ex” (which implies removal) and “onerous” (which means burdensome). So, exonerate is about removing a burden.
- Mnemonic: “EX-ONERATE the burden” – ex (remove) and onerate (burden).
Conclusion
“Exonerate” is a useful word when discussing legal matters or situations involving blame and responsibility. It signifies the official act of clearing someone from blame, which can be applied in both formal and informal settings to communicate that someone is no longer considered guilty of an accusation or fault.
By understanding its roots and practicing with examples, you’ll be able to incorporate “exonerate” into your vocabulary naturally and effectively.