What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Absolve vs Cleanse - What's the difference?

absolve | cleanse |

In lang=en terms the difference between absolve and cleanse

is that absolve is to pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically while cleanse is to spiritually purify; to free from sin or guilt; to purge.

As verbs the difference between absolve and cleanse

is that absolve is to set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc) while cleanse is to free from dirt; to clean, purify.

absolve

English

Verb

(absolv)
  • To set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc.).
  • You will absolve a subject from his allegiance.
  • *
  • (obsolete) To resolve; to explain; to solve.
  • * '>citation
  • To pronounce free from or give absolution for a penalty, blame, or guilt.
  • (legal) To pronounce not guilty; to grant a pardon for.
  • *
  • (theology) To grant a remission of sin; to give absolution to.
  • *
  • (theology) To remit a sin; to give absolution for a sin.
  • *
  • (obsolete) To finish; to accomplish.
  • * , line 94
  • and the work begun, how soon absolv’d ,
  • To pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically.
  • Usage notes

    * Normally followed by the word from . * Normally followed by the word from .

    Synonyms

    * (set free) excuse, exempt, free, release * (pronounce free or give absolution) acquit, exculpate, exonerate, pardon, remit, vindicate * remit

    Derived terms

    * absolver

    References

    ----

    cleanse

    English

    Verb

    (cleans)
  • To free from dirt; to clean, purify.
  • *{{quote-magazine, title=A better waterworks, date=2013-06-01, volume=407, issue=8838
  • , page=5 (Technology Quarterly), magazine=(The Economist) citation , passage=An artificial kidney these days still means a refrigerator-sized dialysis machine. Such devices mimic the way real kidneys cleanse blood and eject impurities and surplus water as urine.}}
  • To spiritually purify; to free from sin or guilt; to purge.
  • Anagrams

    * * * *