Condone Definition & Usage | Forgive or Overlook Wrongdoing

Meaning 1：forgive or overlook wrongdoing (condone)

condone 🔊

/kənˈdoʊn/

To accept or forgive behavior that most people think is wrong, often without punishing it.

Parent condoning child's mistake with a forgiving smile in a warm living room

forgive or overlook wrongdoing 🔊

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/fərˈɡɪv ɔːr ˌoʊvərˈlʊk ˈrɒŋˌduːɪŋ/

To refrain from punishing or criticizing a behavior that is generally considered unacceptable; to treat it as if it is acceptable.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin condonare (com- intensive + donare to give), meaning to forgive.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'con-done' as 'considered done' – once you condone, you treat the wrong as finished.

📖 Example

Many parents condone their children's small lies if they are told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. 🔊 Many parents allow their children's small lies to go unpunished if they are told to avoid hurting someone's feelings.

🔗 Collocations

condone violence – to accept or ignore violent behavior as permissible

condone corruption – to overlook or approve corrupt practices

condone such behavior – to tolerate or excuse that kind of conduct

🔄 Synonyms

pardon (v.) – to officially forgive someone for an offense; to release from penalty

overlook (v.) – to fail to notice or deliberately ignore a mistake or wrongdoing

excuse (v.) – to release someone from blame or obligation; to forgive a minor fault

🚫 Antonyms

condemn (v.) – to express strong disapproval of something; to declare wrong or evil

punish (v.) – to impose a penalty on someone for an offense

forbid (v.) – to prohibit or refuse to allow something

🌱 Derivatives

condonation (n.) – the act of condoning; tacit forgiveness or approval

condoner (n.) – a person who condones something

📖 Cultural Story

Originating in legal contexts in 16th-century English, 'condone' implied a formal pardon. It evolved from Latin condonare, used in Roman law for remitting a debt.