Is exculpate formal or informal?

It is formal. You will see it in legal writing, reports, and serious news.

What is the difference between exculpate and exonerate?

They are very close. Exonerate is more common in everyday news and legal English.

Can I use exculpate in speaking?

Yes, but it may sound very formal. Most speakers use clear, excuse, or prove innocent.

← Dictionary

exculpate

/ˈek.skʌl.peɪt/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To show that someone is not guilty of a crime or blame. It is a formal word, often used in law, writing, or serious discussion.

The new evidence helped exculpate the suspect.
She tried to exculpate her team from blame.
The report exculpated him completely.

Adinary Nuance

Exculpate is more formal than excuse or clear. It usually means to remove blame, especially in legal or serious written contexts. It is close to vindicate, but vindicate can also mean to prove someone right, not only innocent.

In other languages

Vietnamese: minh oan
Spanish: exculpar
Chinese: 开脱
Japanese: 免罪する
Korean: 면책하다

Etymology

From Latin exculpatus, past participle of exculpare, meaning “to free from blame.” It entered English in the 16th century.

Common phrases

exculpate someone from blameexculpate the accusedbe exculpated by evidence

Synonyms

vindicate absolve clear acquit

Related words

culpable blame innocent exonerate

Frequently asked questions

Is exculpate formal or informal?: It is formal. You will see it in legal writing, reports, and serious news.
What is the difference between exculpate and exonerate?: They are very close. Exonerate is more common in everyday news and legal English.
Can I use exculpate in speaking?: Yes, but it may sound very formal. Most speakers use clear, excuse, or prove innocent.