“Aquit” or “acquit”: which is correct?
acquit
The short answer
Acquit is the correct spelling. It means to formally declare someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, or to perform a duty or responsibility satisfactorily.
Spelling error
Why people get it wrong
Because the c in acquit is silent when pronounced, people often misspell it as aquit. Acquit comes from the Old French word acquiter and the Latin word acquitare, meaning to settle or to pay off.
Examples with acquit
- The jury decided to acquit the defendant of all charges.
- She acquitted herself well in the difficult exam.
- The board will likely acquit him after reviewing the evidence.
Quick check
The jury decided to the defendant of all charges.
Acquit is the correct spelling. It means to formally declare someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, or to perform a duty or responsibility satisfactorily.
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