Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The judge pronounced the suspect guilty.
The word **"guilty"** means having committed an offense or crime, or being responsible for a wrongdoing. Therefore, the word opposite in meaning would imply that the suspect is not held responsible or not having committed the crime.
Let?s examine the options:
1. **Acquitted:** This term means that the suspect has been declared not guilty of the charge; they have been found innocent of the crime. Therefore, **"acquitted"** is the opposite of **"guilty"**.
2. **Discharged:** This word typically means that a person is released from a duty or obligation, but it does not specifically indicate innocence regarding a crime.
3. **Corrected:** This means to make something right or rectify a fault. It doesn't relate directly to legal judgments or guilt.
4. **Executed:** This refers to carrying out a sentence, such as capital punishment, and is often associated with guilt and punishment rather than indicating innocence.
Hence, the correct opposite of **"guilty"** in this context is **"acquitted."**