# absolve

> English word · Verb · IPA /əbˈzɒlv/ · frequency rank #35,601

## Definitions
1. To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).
2. To resolve; to explain; to solve.
3. To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt.
4. To pronounce not guilty; to grant a pardon for.
5. To grant a remission of sin; to give absolution to.
6. To remit a sin; to give absolution for a sin.
7. To finish; to accomplish.
8. To pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically.

## Etymology
First attested in the early 15th century. From Middle English absolven, from Latin absolvere (“set free, acquit”), from ab (“away from”) + solvō (“loosen, free, release”). Doublet of assoil.

## Easily confused with
- **above** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/above-vs-absolve)
- **absolute** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/absolute-vs-absolve)

## Common misspellings (10)
`abbsolve`, `aboslve`, `abslove`, `absolev`, `absollve`, `absolvve`, `absovle`, `abssolve`, `asbolve`, `basolve`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/absolve