exemption
UK[ɪɡˈzɛmpʃn]US[ɪɡˈzɛmpʃn]
n
the action of freeing or state of being free from an obligation or liability imposed on others
n
an amount of money that can be earned or received without paying tax, or a part of someone's income that is not taxed
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
empt
ion
ex
out
empt
take
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word "exemption" has a clear logical construction rooted in Latin. It originates from the verb eximere, meaning "to take out, remove," which is itself composed of ex- ("out") and emere ("to take"). The past participle of eximere is exemptus, meaning "taken out." The English noun "exemption" was formed by adding the action-noun suffix -ion to this stem. Thus, the literal meaning of "a taking out" evolved logically into the modern abstract concept of being formally removed or freed from a general rule, duty, or burden.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + empt (take) + ion (noun suffix)
- ex: Latin origin, meaning "out, away from". A prefix indicating removal or separation.
- empt: From Latin emere (to take, buy), specifically its past participle stem empt-. It functions as the core root meaning "to take".
- ion: Latin suffix -ionem, indicating an action or process, or the result of an action. It forms abstract nouns.
Examples
The organization sought an exemption from the new regulations.
You may be eligible for a personal tax exemption.
His diplomatic status granted him exemption from prosecution.