Exempt
/ɪɡˈzɛmpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo release or excuse someone from a duty, obligation, or liability; to make free from something.
/ɪɡˈzɛmpt/
To free someone or something from a duty or obligation.
The charity was exempted from paying property taxes.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have to do chores, but your mom says you're *exempt* from doing dishes tonight because you helped her all day. It means you don't have to do something others do.
👶 For kids: To let someone NOT have to do something. Like, you might be exempt from doing your homework if you're sick!
More Examples
Students with a medical condition are often exempted from physical education classes.
The company was exempted from certain regulations due to its small size.
How It's Used
"The organization was exempt from paying taxes."
"Certain investments may be exempt from capital gains tax."
Free from an obligation, liability, or rule to which others are subject; excused.
/ɪɡˈzɛmpt/
Free from a duty or obligation; not subject to a rule or law.
The museum is tax-exempt.
💡 Simply: If you're *exempt* from a rule, it's like you're special and don't have to follow it. Maybe your class is *exempt* from a pop quiz today because the teacher's sick.
👶 For kids: Not having to do something. Like, you're exempt from bed time on your birthday!
More Examples
She is exempt from jury duty.
The company claimed it was exempt from the new safety standards.
How It's Used
"Tax-exempt bonds offer higher yields."
"The company was exempt from the new environmental regulations."
Idioms & expressions
exempt from all responsibility
To be entirely free from any duties or blame.
"He was effectively exempt from all responsibility, as no one held him accountable."
From Latin *exemptus*, past participle of *eximere* 'to take out, release,' from *ex-* 'out' + *emere* 'to take, buy.'
Historically used in legal and religious contexts to denote freedom from obligations or penalties.
Memory tip
Think of EX (out) + EMPT (empty). To exempt is to take something OUT and make it empty of obligation.
Word Origin
"to take out, release"