两者均有宣告无罪的含义。区别在于acquit多为因证据不足等原因经审判裁定无罪或因证据不足而不予起诉或撤诉[1]。absolve除有此种含义之外，还多用于表示有罪但却予以赦免或免罪[2]。
    
[1] "To find not guilt. " Cf. Daphne A. Dukelow, The Dictionary of Canadian Law, at p. 10, Thomson Professional Publishing Canada (1991 ). “To release a criminal defendant from a charge, either upon a finding of not guilty by the jury or because the court or the prosecution determined that the trial should not go forward after the trial was commenced. ” Cf. James E. Clapp, Random House Webster's Dictionary of the Law, at p. 11 Random House (2000).

[2] "To free of guilt or suspicion. ” Cf. James E. Clapp, Random House Webster's Dictionary of the Law，at p. 4 Random House (2000). “ To free from the penalties for misconduct. "Cf. Bryan A. Gamer, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th edition, at p. 8，West Group (1999). "To pardon； to acquit of a crime", Cf. Daphne A. Dukelow, The Dictionary of Canadian Law, at p. 3, Thomson Professional Publishing Canada (1991 ).