absolvitory

9.9

Giving forgiveness to someone for a wrong or crime

adjective
/æbˈzɑlvɪtɔri/

Formal

: 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

vindicatory

vsabsolvitory

1 9.9

Showing that a person is not guilty of a wrong

is about mercy and forgiveness rather than proving innocence

exonerative

vsabsolvitory

Formal

9.2

To show that someone is not to blame

is more about forgiving moral guilt than formal legal clearing

Antonyms

accusatory

10 6.3

Showing blame or suggesting someone did something wrong

How Forgiving

absolvitory

Formal

9.9

forgiving

66 3.1

lenient

31 4.4

condemning

2 4.9

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.