What's the difference, if any, between to vindicate and to exonerate/exculpate?
Difference
If there are two different words, then the two words will be used in a slightly different way.
So, there is always a difference even if the meaning is the same.
Vindicate:
# justify: show to be right by providing justification or proof; "vindicate a claim"
# maintain, uphold, or defend; "vindicate the rights of the citizens"
# clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof; "You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel"
Exonerate:
acquit: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges; "The suspect was cleared of the murder charges"
Exculpate:
acquit: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges; "The suspect was cleared of the murder charges"
So, there is always a difference even if the meaning is the same.
Vindicate:
# justify: show to be right by providing justification or proof; "vindicate a claim"
# maintain, uphold, or defend; "vindicate the rights of the citizens"
# clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof; "You must vindicate yourself and fight this libel"
Exonerate:
acquit: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges; "The suspect was cleared of the murder charges"
Exculpate:
acquit: pronounce not guilty of criminal charges; "The suspect was cleared of the murder charges"
There is a clear difference between 'vindicate' and 'exonerate'.
Vindicate means 'prove right'
Exonerate means 'not guilty' - 'not wrong'.
The difference will be more apparent if you look at the context the two words are used in.
So what about 'exculpate'?
This is a word that I am unfamiliar with.
Vindicate means 'prove right'
Exonerate means 'not guilty' - 'not wrong'.
The difference will be more apparent if you look at the context the two words are used in.
So what about 'exculpate'?
This is a word that I am unfamiliar with.