Since some folks don't condone even minor usage slips, you might want to get the meaning of this word straight. Although English speakers sometimes use condone with the intended meaning "approve of" or "encourage," the more established meaning is closer to "pardon" or "overlook." Condone comes from the Latin verb condonare, which means "to absolve." Condonare in turn combines the Latin prefix con-, indicating thoroughness, and donare, meaning "to give" or "to grant." Not surprisingly, donare is also the source of our words donate and pardon.
excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these.
excuse an interruption
excused them for interrupting
Often the term implies extenuating circumstances.
injustice excuses strong responses
condone implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (such as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it.
a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics
pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense.
pardon a criminal
forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings.
could not forgive their rudeness
Example Sentences
"I don't condone violence, and I think 'gangsta rap' should be outlawed," says [designer Tommy] Hilfiger … Joshua Levine, Forbes, 21 Apr. 1997Without waiting for Momma's thanks, he rode out of the yard, sure that things were as they should be and that he was a gentle squire, saving those deserving serfs from the laws of the land, which he condoned. Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969And then she told him all—told him the truth word by word, without attempting to shield herself or condone her error. Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan of the Apes, 1912 a government that has been accused of condoning racism he is too quick to condone his friend's faults
Recent Examples on the WebThe Birmingham Police Department does not condone this type of behavior. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 27 July 2022 Aafia Siddiqui, whose release has been demanded by a man who has taken hostages inside a Texas synagogue, would not condone the man's actions, her attorney said Saturday. Ken Dilanian, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2022 Fairfax Republicans Chair Steve Knotts said in a statement that the party does not condone the laughter in the video. Nicole Asbury, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2022 Even Far From Home and No Way Home showed us that there are people who do not necessarily condone everything superheroes do. Chris Smith, BGR, 24 Aug. 2022 Continuing not to return calls is a perfectly reasonable way to show your unwillingness to condone their unlawful behavior. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 20 July 2022 For many years, Netflix and others streamers didn’t seem bothered by password sharing — and even seemed to condone it. Wendy Leestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2022 Miss Manners does not generally condone making suggestions of how others can honor oneself. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 19 July 2022 This was a step further than the Academy's statement just after Sunday night's show, which said the organization does not condone violence. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin condonare to absolve, from com- + donare to give — more at donation