Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
absolvitory

absolvitory

9.9
Giving forgiveness to someone for a wrong or crime
  • adjective
  • /æbˈzɑlvɪtɔri/
  • Formal
translation icon : absolutorio
  • The priest pronounced the absolvitory words, granting forgiveness to the penitent.

Examples

  • In certain legal systems, an absolvitory verdict means the accused is fully cleared of all charges.

  • The ritual ended with an absolvitory blessing given to all participants.

  • The priest offered an absolvitory prayer for the congregation.

  • She sought an absolvitory gesture from her friend after the argument.

  • The priest pronounced the absolvitory words, granting forgiveness to the penitent.

  • In certain legal systems, an absolvitory verdict means the accused is fully cleared of all charges.

  • The ritual ended with an absolvitory blessing given to all participants.

Synonyms

exonerative
vsabsolvitory
  • Formal
9.2

To show that someone is not to blame

is more about forgiving moral guilt than formal legal clearing
vindicatory
vsabsolvitory
9.9

Showing that a person is not guilty of a wrong

is about mercy and forgiveness rather than proving innocence

Antonyms

accusatory
10 6.3

Showing blame or suggesting someone did something wrong

How Forgiving

absolvitory
  • Formal
9.9
forgiving
64 3.1
lenient
32 4.4

Surface Forms

absolvitory positive

Morphology

absolvitory = absolve (semi-transparent) = absolv + itory

Formed by adding the uncommon adjectival suffix '-itory' to 'absolve'; the meaning 'serving to absolve' is predictable but the rare suffix may be unfamiliar to learners.

Etymology

Absolvitory is from the same root as absolve and absolution, with ab- meaning 'away' and solv- meaning 'to loosen' or 'set free'. So an absolvitory act or word 'loosens' someone from guilt and frees them by giving forgiveness.