What is acquit? Pronunciation and usage in English

acquit means . Learn how to pronounce and use acquit through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of acquit

acquitverb

/əˈkwɪt//əˈkwɪt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "acquit." It can be tricky for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for the most accurate sound):

  • /ˈæk.wɪt/ (This is the IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet representation)

2. How to Say It Step-by-Step:

  • "Ac-": Pronounce this like the beginning of the word "apple" - /ˈæk/ (a short, crisp "ah" sound).
  • "-quit": This is the key part. It’s pronounced like "quick" but without the "k" sound at the end. It’s a vowel sound, specifically /wɪt/ (a short "i" sound like in "bit").

3. Putting it together:

Say it all together: "Ah-quick-it" (Think of it as "ah-quick-wit").

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't add a "k" at the end: This is the most common mistake. It’s not pronounced like "a-quit."
  • Short "i" sound: Make sure the "it" part is a short, crisp "i" sound, not a long "i" sound (like in "machine").
  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable: /ˈæk.wɪt/.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type "acquit" into Google Translate (translate.google.com) and click the speaker icon to hear a native speaker pronounce it.
  • Youglish: Youglish.com lets you search for the word in YouTube videos to hear it used in context. https://youglish.com/w/acquit

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "acquit"?

Usage and examples with the word acquit in English

Let's break down how to use the word "acquit" in English. It’s a legal term with a specific meaning, and it's important to understand it properly.

1. Core Meaning: To Be Found Not Guilty

At its most basic, “to acquit” means to declare someone not guilty of a crime after a trial. It's the act of a judge or jury stating that the evidence presented wasn't sufficient to prove the person committed the alleged offense.

2. How It's Used - Examples:

  • Formal Legal Context: “The jury acquitted the defendant of all charges.” (This is the most common and proper use.)
  • News Reports: “After a two-week trial, the judge acquitted him of manslaughter.”
  • Legal Documents: "The court acquitted Ms. Jones of fraud."
  • Passive Voice (often used in legal writing): "The defendant was acquitted by the jury."

3. Related Terms – Recognizing Synonyms & Close Concepts:

  • Not Guilty: This is the result of being acquitted. "The verdict was not guilty."
  • Exonerate: "The evidence helped to exonerate him from suspicion." (Exonerate means to clear someone of blame, which is often the outcome after an acquittal.)
  • Judgment of Not Guilty: This is a more descriptive phrase that conveys the same meaning as “acquitted”.

4. “Acquit” vs. “Excuse” - Important Distinction!

It's crucial to understand that “acquit” does NOT mean “to excuse” or “to forgive”. It’s purely a legal determination of guilt or innocence. You wouldn't say someone was “acquitted” of a personal wrongdoing like a mistake or a bad judgment.

  • Incorrect: “The judge acquitted him of being rude.” (This is wrong! Rudeness isn’t a crime.)
  • Correct: “The judge found him not guilty of the crime.” (Referring to a legal charge)

5. Sentence Structure:

  • Subject + Verb + Object (most common): "The jury acquitted the suspect."
  • Subject + Verb + of + Crime/Charge: “The court acquitted him of theft.”
  • Passive Voice: "The defendant was acquitted by the judge."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in different contexts?
  • Explain how "acquitted" is used in a specific legal scenario (e.g., a criminal trial)?
  • Help you understand how it contrasts with other related words like "excuse" or "exonerate"?

Synonyms for the word acquit

Practice with vocabulary acquit

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After reviewing all the evidence, the jury decided to _______ the defendant due to insufficient proof.
  2. The principal opted to _______ the student of all responsibility after the actual culprit confessed.
  3. Despite facing intense scrutiny, she managed to _______ herself admirably throughout the challenging project.
  4. The company was forced to _______ several employees after discovering widespread fraud.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words can describe the act of a court declaring someone not guilty? a) condemn b) convict c) acquit d) impeach

  2. The prosecutor's case was so weak that everyone expected the jury to _______ the accused. a) prosecute b) charge c) acquit d) incarcerate

  3. To _______ oneself with honor during a difficult trial means to perform commendably. a) present b) conduct c) acquit d) manage

  4. After careful deliberation, the judge decided to _______ the defendant to a lengthy prison term. a) absolve b) sentence c) pardon d) release

  5. Which word means to clear someone of blame or suspicion without necessarily a legal verdict? a) incriminate b) exonerate c) indict d) condemn

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The jury's decision was that the defendant was not guilty of the charges.

    • (Rewrite using "acquit")

  2. Despite the immense pressure, she performed her duties commendably throughout the crisis.

    • (Rewrite using "acquit")

  3. The official investigation cleared him entirely of any wrongdoing.

    • (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "acquit")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. acquit
  2. exonerate
  3. acquit
  4. terminate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) acquit
  2. c) acquit
  3. b) conduct, c) acquit
  4. b) sentence
  5. b) exonerate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The jury decided to acquit the defendant of the charges.
  2. Despite the immense pressure, she acquitted herself commendably throughout the crisis.
  3. The official investigation absolved him entirely of any wrongdoing. (Other suitable words: exonerated, vindicated)

Comment ()