Choose the appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence:
The Public Inquiry ___________ him from all blame for the accident at the factory.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → exonerated
Complete sentence: The Public Inquiry exonerated him from all blame for the accident at the factory. "Exonerated him from all blame" means the inquiry found that he was not responsible for the accident.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) exonerated (answer) | officially cleared of blame or of a charge | The new evidence exonerated the driver. |
| (2) indicted | formally charged with a serious crime (it is the opposite of being cleared of blame) | The former minister was indicted for fraud. |
| (3) incriminated | made to appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing (the sentence speaks of freeing him from blame, not loading it on him) | The fingerprints on the glass incriminated the guard. |
| (4) exalted | praised highly or raised to a high rank (it has nothing to do with blame, and its sound is close to "exonerated" but the meaning is different) | The poet was exalted as the voice of his generation. |
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