What does exculpatory mean? Explained
What does exculpatory mean
Pronunciation
/ˌɛk.sʌlˈpeɪ.traɪ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A statement or piece of evidence that helps to clear or absolve someone of blame, suspicion, or guilt, often in a legal or official context.
Etymology
The word “exculpatory” comes from the Latin “exculpare,” meaning “to clear” or “to free from blame.”
Usage Notes
The term is commonly used in legal and journalistic contexts to describe evidence or statements that help to exonerate someone.
Cultural References
The term has been used in popular culture, such as in TV shows and movies, to describe evidence that helps to clear someone’s name.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Avoid the smell of sulpher to clear the air; Clear the air; Explain or justify something to clear the air
Related Words or Phrases
- Inculpatory
- Alibi
- Exonerate
Collocations
- Exculpatory evidence
- Exculpatory statement
- Exculpatory testimony
Frequency of Use
The word “exculpatory” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is frequently used in legal and journalistic contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Exculpatory vs. Exclpatory
- Exculpatory vs. Exculpatary