acquittal - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
acquittal Word Meanings
- a judgment that a person is not guilty of a crime
- the act of freeing someone from a charge or accusation
acquittal Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
acquittal Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈkwɪt(ə)l/
US
/əˈkwɪtəl/
acquittal Word Etymology
(a) ac- (to) + quit (free) + -al (relating to). (b) Latin 'acquitare' → Old French 'acquiter' → English. (c) Imagine a courtroom where a defendant hears 'not guilty' and feels the weight lift, symbolizing their freedom from accusation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
An acquittal is the formal verdict in a criminal trial indicating the defendant is not guilty of the charges. It comes after a trial, not after a pretrial dismissal, and means the state cannot punish the person for the alleged crime related to that case. The word also describes the act of freeing someone from a charge or accusation, sometimes used more broadly in media to signal exoneration. English speakers distinguish acquittal from conviction (guilty) and from dismissal or nolle prosequi (charges dropped). Remember the noun is acquittal; the adjective is acquitted.
Usage Reminders
- Acquittal refers to a not-guilty verdict, not a confession of innocence.
- Use acquitted when someone is found not guilty, not when charges are dropped.
- Don’t confuse acquittal with dismissal or with dropping the case before trial.
- Acquittal is a legal outcome, not a personal endorsement of behavior.
- Pair acquittal with a verb like was/were acquitted, not with 'is acquite'.
- Beware used in news as exoneration, which can imply broader clearance beyond the specific charges.
Common Misconceptions
- Acquittal means you are proven innocent beyond doubt.
- Acquittal and dismissal are the same thing.
- An acquittal means the person will never be charged again for any related crime.
- An acquittal absolves all related investigations or civil cases.
- The prosecution can appeal an acquittal.
Thinking Differences
In English, acquittal is a precise court verdict meaning not guilty; learners should not treat it as a broad exoneration. Mistakes include equating it with dismissal, assuming it proves absolute innocence, or thinking it ends all related investigations.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: acquitted of, acquittal on charges, to be acquitted in court.
- Compare with conviction and dismissal to highlight differences.
- Practice forming questions: Was he acquitted? What was the acquittal based on?
- Watch for form: acquit (verb) vs acquittal (noun).
- Remember related phrases: justice, exoneration, double jeopardy.
- Read headlines carefully; note when acquittal refers to a single charge or multiple charges.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'acquittal'?
A.A legal judgment that a defendant is not guilty of the crime.
B.A recommendation for a sentence.
C.A formal charge in a court case.
D.A procedural delay in a trial.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'acquittal' correctly?
A.After a lengthy trial, the jury delivered an acquittal of not guilty.
B.The acquittal of the meal was delicious and satisfying.
C.He received an acquittal after failing the exam twice.
D.Her acquittal in the competition was celebrated with applause.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'acquittal'?
A.Pardon
B.Conviction
C.Sentence
D.Guilty
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'acquittal'?
A.Exoneration
B.Release
C.Conviction
D.Freedom
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context involving 'acquittal'?
A.The judge ruled that the defendant was allowed to go home.
B.Following the trial, there was a celebration in the streets for the acquittal the defendant received.
C.The prosecutor argued their case with the highest level of conviction.
D.A new law was introduced that allowed for easier prosecutions.
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