Condone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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condone
[kənˈdoʊn ]
Definition
moral acceptance
To condone means to accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue. It often implies a degree of forgiveness or overlooking of faults, suggesting that the wrongdoings are not seriously condemned.
Synonyms
dismiss, excuse, forgive, overlook, tolerate.
Examples of usage
- The school does not condone cheating in any form.
- She could not condone his behavior.
- The government will not condone violence.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, condoning an action can sometimes lead to implicit approval, which may affect court cases.
- Certain laws, especially in corporate governance, have consequences if unethical actions are condoned by leadership.
- Judges may consider whether someone's actions were condoned by others when determining punishments.
Psychology
- People might condone behaviors as a way to maintain social harmony, believing it keeps peace in relationships.
- Cognitive dissonance can arise when a person condones behavior that goes against their own values, leading to internal conflict.
- Research shows individuals are more likely to condone actions if they believe the offender has a good reason for their behavior.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures have widely varying views on what behaviors are acceptable or worthy of being condoned.
- In some societies, condoning certain acts is tied to family loyalty, while in others, it might be seen as betrayal to do so.
- Art and literature often explore themes of condoning actions, such as in narratives where characters justify wrongdoing.
Ethics
- Ethical discussions frequently address the consequences of condoning poor behavior, affecting personal and societal standards.
- Philosophers argue that condoning behavior may erode moral values and lead to normalizing negative actions.
- Many believe that discussing the boundaries of condonation is crucial in understanding moral responsibility in social contexts.
Origin of 'condone'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'condonare', meaning to 'forgive' or 'to give up'.
- It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century, often related to legal contexts.
- In Middle English and Old French, forms of the word hinted at the idea of pardoning or excusing wrongs.
The word 'condone' comes from the Latin term 'condonare,' which means 'to give up' or 'forgive.' It is a combination of 'com-' (altogether) and 'donare' (to give). Over time, the term evolved through Middle French as 'condonner' before entering the English language in the mid-19th century. Initially, the use of 'condone' was primarily legal, referring to the idea of forgiving or overlooking a fault or offense, particularly in the context of laws and moral codes. Throughout the years, it has grown in common usage, encompassing broader contexts of personal morality and social acceptance of certain behaviors.