“Vindication” is one of those familiar English words whose meaning can be confusing. Most people might believe that they know the vindication definition, but when asked, they will not get it right. Ready to know the word’s definition, meaning, and everything relevant that is important to learn?
“Vindication” is a noun that means the act of vindicating or defending against criticism or censure. Use the word when talking about clearing, blaming, or justifying something or someone. In your sentences, words like innocence, free from blame, or let off are used to describe the act of retribution.
It might be confusing to understand what the word means and when to use it even with this definition. If you still feel like you need more explanations of the word, you are in the right place. This article will discuss the vindication definition and meaning; you’ll also get to know the word’s usage, spelling, pronunciation, and more.
What is the Definition of Vindication?
“Vindication” means to substantiate or to confirm. Use the word to mean to offer evidence or prove the truth. That means you can use the word when showing proof that something is right.
When starting something, you might need to present evidence to help show what you are saying is correct. If that is the case, what you present as proof is known as “vindication.”
Here are example sentences:
- The lawyer aims to work to ensure that her clients get full vindication over the murder case.
- The information was interpreted as a vindication of the school’s policy.
- Charles’s vindication finally happened after years of trying to prove that she was not the one who set the school on fire.
What is the Meaning of Vindication?
“Vindication” also means the justification of some act of belief. Use the word to explain why someone acts in a certain way based on their beliefs.
Vindication mainly means to free someone from blame or guilt. It is the process of developing evidence that can help clear someone’s name. You will realize that this definition applies in very many contexts. Many people are familiar with this definition and will use it widely. In simple words, it means “free from some form of blame or allegation.”
Here are example sentences:
- Though it is too early to speculate on the case’s outcome, yesterday’s testimony was a vindication to the chief.
- She composed music that was a fine vindication of the teachings that she received in her religion.
- Learning to live with people of different races got him far, a clear vindication.
Words that Relate to Vindication
Here is a look at words with the same meaning, opposite meanings, and related sounds with vindication.
Synonyms
- Acquittal
- Clearing
- Discharge
- Mercy
- Forgiveness
- Condemnation
- Release
- Remission
- Defense
- Justification
- Evidence
- Revenge
- Plea
- Refutation
- Rebutter
Antonyms
- Guilt
- Question
- Sentence
- Accusation
- Request
- Blame
- Implication
- Disproof
- Hold
- Doom
- Punishment
- Fining
- Penalizing
- Requital
- Forfeit
Rhyming words
- Indication
- Animation
- Determination
- Registration
- Agitation
- Cultivation
- Civilization
- Presentation
- Combination
- Generation
- Isolation
- Immigration
- Visitation
- Circulation
- Sophistication
Vindication When Compared with Other Words
Vindication vs. vengeance: Though vindication is the synonym for vengeance, they do not have the same meaning. Vindication means to defend or justify someone who has been accused, while vengeance means revenge.
Vindication vs. validation: Vindication and validation are used as synonyms, but they have different meanings. Vindication means the action of clearing someone from blame, while validation means the action of proving the validity of something.
Vindication vs. retribution: Vindication means proving someone is not guilty of certain wrongdoing, while retribution means making a criminal pay for wrongdoing that they have done.
Vindication vs. absolution: Both vindication and absolution have the same meaning: getting cleared of something. But vindication is commonly used when discussing crime or bad things that someone has done, and in most cases, it involves the law. However, absolution means being forgiven by a priest in the sacrament of penance.
What is Unique About the Word Vindication?
The word “vindications” is one that people confuse with vengeance and vendetta. The reason is that these words have the same descendant. But over time, “vindication” has managed to eliminate the negative tone that it has and is now seen and used in a positive light.
Is Vindication a Negative Word?
When first introduced to the English language, the word vindictive had a negative connotation that has been lost over the years. Its original meaning was to exercise vengeance, but later its meaning changed to set free or justify.
Any Common Mistakes When Using Vindication?
A common mistake people make when using the word vindication is to assume that the word means punishing someone who has wronged you. However, this word has nothing to do with vengeance or payback. Note that though it is connected to something negative, it is positive and used to talk about freedom or set someone free.
How to Use Vindication in a Sentence
Before using the word “vindication” in your sentences, keep in mind that it is something positive that comes after something bad has happened. In most cases, the word is used to accuse someone of something they did not do. It is also a noun.
Different Word Forms of the Word Vindication
Here is a look at the different word forms of the word vindication.
Vindicatory: Something or someone that has the nature of retribution.
Here are example sentences:
- The vindicatory stories are what most physicians base their research on.
- This art could comprise a useful vindicatory framework to be used as a display.
- There is a vindicatory aspect that ties together and explains these contrasts.
Vindictive: Tending to seek revenge when wronged, vengeful or obsolete, vindictive, or punitive.
Here are example sentences:
- The company is accused of being vindictive and using the wrong tactics to attract clients.
- Alison complaining about her sister seemed vindictive and a way of damaging her reputation.
- You will not achieve anything substantial if you continue with your vindictive tendencies.
Other word forms of the word vindication
- Vindicating: present participle.
- Vindicated: Past tense/ past participle.
10 Examples of Vindication in a Sentence
The best way to better your understanding when you learn a new word is by reading sentences with that word. In that case, here are ten sentences to help you better understand the meaning and definition of vindication.
- Samuel’s friends offered vindication of his position in the company.
- Jane had no choice but to take the matter to court to get the vindication she wanted.
- Everyone believed that Charles had killed his brother, but he got vindication when the real killer was arrested for the crime.
- The lawyer wanted vindication for the housewife accused of killing her in-laws and returning her as a free woman to society.
- Have you watched the popular movie? It discusses the vindication of the colonized over the colonizers.
- Gabriel wrote a book about getting vindication from people; it is based on assumptions of his life.
- The outcome was a vindication of our decision.
- What was said in the meeting was a vindication of his political instincts.
- He said he would kill himself if he did not get vindication after his statement.
- My vindication can only come from my parents.
How Do You Spell Vindication?
The correct way to spell the word is “v.i.n.d.i.c.a.t.i.o.n.” People mostly misspelled this word by using “shon” instead of “tion.”
When using the word “vindication,” it is vital to ensure that you have properly spelled the word so that people can properly understand what you are saying in your writing. Misspelling words will lead to people not taking your content with the seriousness that it deserves.
How Do You Pronounce Vindication?
The proper way to pronounce the word “vindication” is “vin-di-key-shun.”
When pronouncing this word, start the first two syllables slowly and then increase your pace when completing the last two syllables.
How Many Syllables Are In Vindication?
The word “vindication” has four syllables divided as “vin.di.ca.tion.”
The word has two stressed syllables. The primary stress syllable is “ca,” while the secondary stressed syllable is “vin.”
History & Etymology of Vindication
The word “vindication” is from the Latin word “vindicationem,” which means the act of avenging or claiming. Then the Old French language borrowed the word and used it as “vindicacion,” meaning vengeance or revenge.
The word “vindication” has its roots in the words “vim” and “dictation.” The word “vim” in Latin means to proclaim or pronounce solemnly. In comparison, the word “diction” means the justification by proof or to defend against censure.
When Was Vindication First Used?
The first use of the word “vindication” was in 1571. The word’s first meaning was “to set free, or to deliver.”
Conclusion
“Vindication” is one of the few common words in English that most people assume they know the meaning and usage of. But, when asked, the majority will not have the right words to use. However, if you have read this article in detail, you now know the vindication definition and its various meanings. With that, you can be confident when using the word in any correct context.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.