Exempt
(adjective) Free from an obligation or liability imposed on others. (verb) Free (a person or organization) from an obligation or liability imposed on others.
To be 'exempt' means you are specifically excused from a rule or requirement, often by law or special status. It's a complete freedom from the obligation, not just a reduction.
Word relationships
- Immune: Protected from or unaffected by something, often used in a biological or metaphorical sense.
- Excused: Released from a duty or obligation, often implies a temporary or specific instance.
- Privileged: Having special rights, advantages, or immunities.
- Liable: Responsible by law; legally answerable.
- Subject: Under the authority of or subject to something.
- Obligated: Morally or legally bound to an action or course of action.
Commonly confused with
- Deductible: Something 'deductible' reduces the amount subject to tax, but you still pay some tax. 'Exempt' means you don't have to pay that specific tax at all.
Word family
- exemption (noun): The state of being exempt from an obligation or liability.
Collocations
- tax-exempt
- exempt from
- exempt status
- exempt employee
Example sentences
- "Non-profit organizations are often exempt from paying certain federal taxes." Discussing tax status.
- "The court ruled that the small business was exempt from the new environmental regulations due to its minimal impact." A legal ruling.
Memory hook
If you are EXEMPT, you are 'EX-cluded' from a requirement. EXEMPT = EX-cluded
When not to use
Do not use 'exempt' if the person or entity only receives a reduction or partial relief. 'Exempt' implies total freedom from the obligation.
Fun facts
- The concept of tax exemption for religious or charitable organizations dates back centuries, often rooted in historical legal and social structures.
Explore more words
absolve, exonerate, omission, immunity, exoneration, emancipated
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