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remittal

remittal

9.9
A formal act that forgives a punishment or sin
  • noun
  • /rɪˈmɪtəl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : absolución
  • The priest granted remittal of sins after hearing her confession.

Examples

  • His legal team appealed for the remittal of his sentence, citing good behavior.

  • The ceremony ended with a formal remittal of the congregation's transgressions.

  • The priest offered a remittal of sins during the service.

  • Her remittal was granted after the confession.

  • The judge announced the remittal of the defendant's charges due to lack of evidence.

  • During the service, the priest provided a formal remittal for those seeking forgiveness.

  • After reviewing the case, the committee decided on a remittal of the penalties imposed on the organization.

Synonyms

pardon
vsremittal
  • Formal
252 4.2

An official act that forgives someone for a crime and ends their punishment

is wider, applying to formal forgiveness in both religious and legal contexts
absolution
vsremittal
  • Formal
24 7.9

A formal act in church when a priest forgives someone's sins

is broader, covering formal forgiveness in both religious and legal settings
remission
vsremittal
  • Formal
3 7.6

Forgiving a sin or debt, often declared by a priest

is broader, also covering formal forgiveness in legal settings
remission of sin
vsremittal
  • Formal
1 9.4

A priest forgives a person's sins after they confess

is less specific, including formal forgiveness outside the priestly rite

Antonyms

720 1.3

An action that makes someone suffer for breaking a rule, like a fine or time in prison

56 5.5

A strong statement saying someone or something is wrong

How Forgiving

absolution
  • Formal
24 7.9
pardon
  • Formal
252 4.2
remittal
  • Archaic
9.9
clemency
  • Formal
39 8.4
forgiveness
333 2.2

Surface Forms

remittal singular
remittals plural

Morphology

remittal = remit (semi-transparent) = remit + al

Derived from 'remit' in the sense 'to forgive or pardon' plus '-al'; the legal/religious sense is clear if learners know that sense of 'remit' but is somewhat formal.

Etymology

Remittal comes from the Latin parts re- 'back' and mittere 'to send', carrying the idea of 'sending away' something unwanted. A helpful image is 'sending away' a punishment or sin, which is why remittal can mean formal forgiveness or the act of reducing a sentence.