Exempted vs. Exempt — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 19, 2024
"Exempted" is the past tense of "exempt," indicating an action that has made someone or something free from an obligation, while "exempt" describes the state of being free from an obligation.
Difference Between Exempted and Exempt
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Exempt" functions both as an adjective and a verb, describing a status or action where someone or something is not required to comply with a specific obligation, rule, or payment. On the other hand, "exempted" is specifically the past participle form of the verb "exempt," used to indicate that the action of granting exemption has already occurred.
The use of "exempt" or "exempted" depends on the context and timing of the exemption. When discussing the current status of being free from obligations, "exempt" is appropriate. When referring to a past decision or action that granted exemption, "exempted" is the correct form. This distinction helps clarify whether the exemption is an ongoing status or the result of a specific action.
The application of these terms also reflects the nature of the exemption process. For example, laws or regulations may state conditions under which individuals or entities are automatically exempt from certain requirements. Conversely, a process or authority might need to actively exempt (or have exempted) individuals or entities based on an application or qualification, indicating a more dynamic action.
Despite their different uses, both "exempt" and "exempted" ultimately relate to the concept of being released from a usual requirement, obligation, or duty. The choice between them provides nuance, indicating whether the focus is on the state of exemption or the action that led to it.
Comparison Chart
Form
Adjective (describing a state) or verb (present tense)
Past participle (describing a completed action)
ADVERTISEMENT
Usage Context
To describe a current state of being free from an obligation.
To describe a past action that has granted exemption.
Example (Verb)
"The law exempts nonprofits from some taxes."
"Nonprofits were exempted from some taxes last year."
Example (Adjective)
"This income is exempt from federal taxes."
N/A
Application
Describes both an ongoing status and the act of making exempt.
Specifically refers to the action of having made something or someone exempt.
Compare with Definitions
Exempted
Freed from a requirement. (As a verb)
The new policy exempts small businesses from the tax increase.
Exempt
Made free from an obligation by a specific action.
The students were exempted from the final exam after achieving high scores.
Exempted
Having special permission.
As a diplomat, he is exempt from certain local laws.
Exempt
Allowed to bypass a requirement.
Participants in the study were exempted from the usual fees.
Exempted
Not required to fulfill an obligation.
She is exempt from jury duty due to her medical condition.
Exempt
Given an exemption through an official act.
They were exempted by a recent legislative amendment.
Exempted
Eligible for exclusion.
Exempt employees are not eligible for overtime pay.
Exempt
Released from a duty after consideration.
He was exempted from military service for health reasons.
Exempted
Outside the applicable rules.
This area is exempt from the statewide ban.
Exempt
Granted a special dispensation.
The organization was exempted from standard regulations due to its unique status.
Exempted
To free from an obligation, duty, or liability to which others are subject
Exempting the disabled from military service.
Exempt
Free from an obligation or liability imposed on others
A tax-exempt savings plan
These patients are exempt from all charges
Exempted
(Obsolete) To set apart; isolate.
Exempt
Free (a person or organization) from an obligation or liability imposed on others
They were exempted from paying the tax
Exempted
Freed from an obligation, duty, or liability to which others are subject; excused
Persons exempt from jury duty.
Income exempt from taxation.
A beauty somehow exempt from the aging process.
Exempt
A person who is exempt from something, especially the payment of tax.
Exempted
Not subject to certain federal workplace laws or protections, especially those requiring overtime compensation
Exempt employees.
Exempt
To free from an obligation, duty, or liability to which others are subject
Exempting the disabled from military service.
Exempted
(Obsolete) Set apart; isolated.
Exempt
(Obsolete) To set apart; isolate.
Exempted
One who is exempted from an obligation, duty, or liability.
Exempt
Freed from an obligation, duty, or liability to which others are subject; excused
Persons exempt from jury duty.
Income exempt from taxation.
A beauty somehow exempt from the aging process.
Exempted
Simple past tense and past participle of exempt
Exempt
Not subject to certain federal workplace laws or protections, especially those requiring overtime compensation
Exempt employees.
Exempt
(Obsolete) Set apart; isolated.
Exempt
One who is exempted from an obligation, duty, or liability.
Exempt
Free from a duty or obligation.
In their country all women are exempt from military service.
His income is so small that it is exempt from tax.
Exempt
(of an employee or his position) Not entitled to overtime pay when working overtime.
Exempt
(obsolete) Cut off; set apart.
Exempt
(obsolete) Extraordinary; exceptional.
Exempt
One who has been released from something.
Exempt
(historical) A type of French police officer.
Exempt
(UK) One of four officers of the Yeomen of the Royal Guard, having the rank of corporal; an exon.
Exempt
(transitive) To grant (someone) freedom or immunity from.
Citizens over 45 years of age were exempted from military service.
Exempt
Cut off; set apart.
Corrupted, and exempt from ancient gentry.
Exempt
Extraordinary; exceptional.
Exempt
Free, or released, from some liability to which others are subject; excepted from the operation or burden of some law; released; free; clear; privileged; - (with from): not subject to; not liable to; as, goods exempt from execution; a person exempt from jury service.
True nobility is exempt from fear.
T is laid on all, not any one exempt.
Exempt
One exempted or freed from duty; one not subject.
Exempt
One of four officers of the Yeomen of the Royal Guard, having the rank of corporal; an Exon.
Exempt
To remove; to set apart.
Exempt
To release or deliver from some liability which others are subject to; to except or excuse from he operation of a law; to grant immunity to; to free from obligation; to release; as, to exempt from military duty, or from jury service; to exempt from fear or pain.
DeathSo snatched will not exempt us from the painWe are by doom to pay.
Exempt
Grant relief or an exemption from a rule or requirement to;
She exempted me from the exam
Exempt
Grant exemption or release to;
Please excuse me from this class
Exempt
(of persons) freed from or not subject to an obligation or liability (as e.g. taxes) to which others or other things are subject;
A beauty somehow exempt from the aging process
Exempt from jury duty
Only the very poorest citizens should be exempt from income taxes
Exempt
(of goods or funds) not subject to taxation;
The funds of nonprofit organizations are nontaxable
Income exempt from taxation
Common Curiosities
Can a company be both exempt and exempted?
Yes, a company can be exempt by default under law (exempt) and can also be specifically exempted from new regulations through a decision.
What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
Being exempt from taxes means you are not required to pay certain taxes due to specific conditions or statuses.
What are exempt employees?
Exempt employees are those who are exempt from overtime pay regulations due to their job type, salary level, and duties, as defined by labor laws.
Is being exempt from military service the same as being exempted?
Being exempt means you already fall under a category not required to serve, while being exempted refers to a specific action taken to release you from service.
Can an exemption be revoked?
Yes, exemptions can be revoked if the conditions under which they were granted change or if there was an error in granting them.
How is someone exempted from a rule?
Someone is exempted from a rule through an official decision or action that acknowledges they do not have to follow the rule based on criteria or qualifications.
How do exemptions affect governmental revenue?
Exemptions can reduce governmental revenue from taxes or fees but are often granted to support social, economic, or policy goals.
What is the difference between tax-exempt and tax-exempted?
Tax-exempt refers to entities or incomes that are not subject to tax by default, while tax-exempted refers to having been specifically granted exemption through a decision or action.
Who has the authority to exempt someone from a law or requirement?
The authority varies by context but generally includes government bodies, regulatory agencies, or officials designated by law to grant exemptions.
What role do exemptions play in public policy?
Exemptions are used as tools in public policy to encourage certain behaviors, support specific groups, or achieve economic or social objectives.
How do laws determine who is exempt from jury duty?
Laws provide specific criteria (such as age, profession, or health conditions) that define who is automatically exempt or how one can be exempted from jury duty.
How does one apply to be exempted from a requirement?
The process involves submitting an application or request to the relevant authority, providing documentation or evidence to support the exemption claim.
Is there a process to challenge an exemption decision?
Yes, there typically are appeals processes or mechanisms to challenge decisions about exemptions, varying by jurisdiction and context.
What criteria are used to exempt goods from import duties?
Criteria include the type of goods, their intended use, and trade agreements that may provide for exemptions.
Can a student be both exempt and exempted from an exam?
A student could be exempt by policy (e.g., due to grades) and specifically exempted from an additional exam due to extraordinary circumstances.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Axis vs. Orbit
Next Comparison
Cheese vs. YogurtAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
