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Shrive vs Absolve - What's the difference?

shrive | absolve |

In lang=en terms the difference between shrive and absolve

is that shrive is to prescribe penance or absolution while absolve is to pass a course or test; to gain credit for a class; to qualify academically.

As verbs the difference between shrive and absolve

is that shrive is (transitive|and|intransitive) to hear or receive a confession (of sins etc) while absolve is to set free, release or discharge (from obligations, debts, responsibility etc) .

shrive

English

Alternative forms

* shrieve (obsolete)

Verb

  • (transitive, and, intransitive) To hear or receive a confession (of sins etc.)
  • * Shakespeare
  • Doubtless he shrives this woman, / Else ne'er could he so long protract his speech.
  • * Longfellow
  • Till my guilty soul be shriven .
  • To prescribe penance or absolution.
  • (intransitive, or, reflexive) To confess, and receive absolution.
  • "Twas a good thought, boy, to come here and'' ''shrive ", - The Croppy Boy, trad Irish song.

    Derived terms

    * shrove * Shrovetide * Shrove Monday * Shrove Sunday * Shrove Tuesday

    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

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