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Question

Difficulty: HardIsolated Word Synonyms

The word EXCULPATE most nearly means which of the following?

  1. A
    excavate
  2. exonerateAnswer
  3. C
    incriminate
  4. D
    forgive

Answer

The word 'exonerate' is the precise synonym for EXCULPATE.
To exculpate means to clear someone from alleged fault, guilt, or liability. The term 'exonerate' is its direct synonym, conveying the exact meaning of freeing someone from accusation or blame.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the morphological components of the target word EXCULPATE
The prefix 'ex-' indicates 'out of' or 'away from', and the Latin root 'culpa' means 'blame' or 'guilt'.
Etymological analysis reveals the foundational meaning of clearing away blame.
2
Define the formal meaning of EXCULPATE
To exculpate means to officially free from blame, prove guiltless, or clear of a formal accusation.
Establishing the precise denotation enables accurate comparison against the choices.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to identify the equivalent term
The verb 'exonerate' (from Latin 'ex' + 'onus' / burden/charge) identically means to clear from an accusation or blame.
Matching both grammatical part of speech and exact semantic definition confirms the synonym.

Key Concept

Isolated vocabulary identification using Latin roots and precise semantic matching
Estimated Time:30s
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Topics

Isolated Word Synonyms

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