The Spanish verb 'exentar' (to exempt) comes from the Latin word 'exemptus' meaning 'taken out' or 'removed'. This Latin word was formed by combining the prefix 'ex-' (meaning 'out') with 'emptus' (meaning 'taken'). The Latin 'exemptus' first evolved into the Spanish adjective 'exento' (exempt), and then the verb suffix '-ar' was added to create the verb 'exentar'.

This etymology helps explain why 'exentar' means to exempt or excuse from an obligation - it literally describes the action of 'taking something/someone out' from a requirement or duty.

A simpler and more common related Spanish word is 'exento' (exempt, free from), which is both an adjective and the past participle form. You might hear phrases like 'estar exento de' meaning 'to be exempt from'. Another related word is 'exención' (exemption).

The English word 'exempt' is a direct cousin of 'exentar', as both come from the same Latin root 'exemptus'. This makes it easy to remember - 'exentar' means 'to exempt'. The English words 'exemption' and 'exemptive' are also part of this word family.