Vocabulary in context
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Condone
To excuse or overlook an offense; to forgive, usually by not condemning it.
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Imagine This
Students who have not done their homework on time would like their teachers to excuse or forgive them.
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Sounds Like
kÉn-DOHN
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Looks Like
Looks like 'con' + 'done' â two familiar words combined
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Remember This
Condone does not always mean approval; it often means tolerating or overlooking wrongdoing. It is related to forgiving or excusing, but carries a nuance of not condemning the action.
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Other Forms
condonedpast tense
condoningpresent participle / gerund
condonationnoun
condonesthird-person singular
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Connect With
forgive, excuse, overlook, tolerate, pardon; approve (in some contexts)
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Note
Avoid confusing condone with condemn. Condone means to tolerate or overlook a behavior; condemn means to express strong disapproval or punishment.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The principal refused to condone cheating on exams.
- The university will not condone plagiarism and has penalties for it.
Synonyms
forgiveexcuseoverlooktoleratepardon
Antonyms
condemndenounceprohibit
Etymology
From Latin condonare, condonare = con- (together) + donare (to give); originally meaning to forgive or remit.
Mnemonic
Dont Condemn â Condone means not condemning; remember by the phrase 'Don't condemn it; condone it.'
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Preclude
verbTo prevent something from happening; to make something impossible.
Trenchant
adjectiveHaving a sharp, clear, and penetrating quality in expression or analysis; cutting or biting in a critique or argument.
Rancor
nounLong-lasting, bitter resentment or ill will toward someone, often persisting over time.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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