acquitted - Master This Word
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acquitted Word Meanings
- to declare someone free from guilt
- to clear someone of blame
- to perform one's duty
acquitted Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
acquitted Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈkwɪt/
US
/əˈkwɪt/
acquitted Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'ad-' (to) + 'quietare' (to set free). Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Picture a judge lifting a heavy gavel, declaring freedom to a wrongly accused person, releasing them from chains.
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
Acquit is a verb used most often in legal contexts to declare someone not guilty after a trial, thereby clearing them of criminal blame. It can also describe clearing someone’s name more generally, or in some contexts indicate performing one’s duties or responsibilities satisfactorily. In everyday speech you might hear: 'The jury acquitted the defendant of all charges,' or 'She acquitted herself well under pressure by answering every question calmly.' Keep in mind that to acquit is not the same as releasing someone from custody by itself, but rather a verdict of not guilty. Pair acquit with verbs like 'the court acquitted' or 'the jury acquitted' as the subject. Memory image: a judge’s gavel announcing innocence.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: acquit = not guilty verdict; not the same as arrest or conviction. Use with 'the court acquitted' or 'the jury acquitted'. The sense of 'acquit oneself' relates to performing duties well. Do not confuse with 'exonerate' in all contexts; nuance exists. When describing a person, follow with 'of' the charges. Think of the gavel as the innocence signal.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing acquit with convict; acquit means not guilty, not guilty beyond reasonable doubt does not imply innocence in every aspect.
- Thinking acquit settles criminal liability for lesser offenses in all contexts.
- Believing acquit automatically means custody release is implied.
- Mistaking acquit oneself for excoriate or exonerate in all senses.
- Using 'acquitted from' instead of 'acquitted of' or mixing up prepositions.
Thinking Differences
English learners often picture acquit as a courtroom bolt of justice and may miss the idiomatic sense of 'acquit oneself' meaning to perform well. The phrase is narrowly legal in its primary meaning, so using it in casual contexts can feel odd.
Learning Tips
- Relate acquit to not guilty verdicts in famous trials.
- Use 'acquit of the charges' after a verb like 'were' or 'was'.
- Remember the memory image of a judge’s gavel signaling innocence.
- Distinguish from arrest and convict in both meaning and use.
- Practice 'acquit oneself' in a separate sentence about handling stress well.
- Keep 'exonerate' for broader, less courtroom-specific relief from blame.
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