Condoned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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condoned

[kษ™nหˆdoสŠnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

approval, tolerance

To condone means to accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue. It implies a certain level of tolerance for an action or attitude that might not be explicitly approved. Often used in discussions concerning ethics or morality, someone might condone poor behavior as a way to mitigate conflict or maintain peace. This term is commonly invoked in legal, social, or political contexts, particularly when discussing issues like crime or misconduct. The connotation of the term can vary, sometimes suggesting negligence in holding individuals accountable.

Synonyms

disregard, excuse, overlook, pardon.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher condoned late submissions due to personal issues.
  • The manager condoned the employee's behavior to maintain team harmony.
  • He felt that condoning such actions could set a dangerous precedent.
  • Many believe society should not condone violence in any form.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Legal Implications

  • In law, to condone an action can mean that a person is willingly overlooking misconduct, which can impact judicial decisions.
  • Judges often consider whether actions were condoned when determining sentences or guilt in court cases.
  • In some cases, ongoing consent can be seen as an implicit condonation of behavior.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures may have varying thresholds for what behavior is condoned, influenced by societal values and norms.
  • In some societies, certain unethical practices may be condoned if they are seen as traditional or necessary for social cohesion.
  • Conversely, in other cultures, there is zero tolerance for any type of misconduct, regardless of context.

Psychology

  • The act of condoning behavior can sometimes create cognitive dissonance in individuals who feel they should oppose what they accept.
  • Cognitive psychologists suggest that people often condone behaviors when they see them rationalized by others or by societal norms.
  • This can lead to a slippery slope where initially small wrongdoings become systematically accepted over time.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters often face moral dilemmas where condoning behavior leads to larger consequences.
  • Television series frequently explore themes of condonation, highlighting how characters rationalize poor decisions.
  • Popular music sometimes addresses the consequences of condoning bad behavior, showing the societal impacts through storytelling.

Origin of 'condoned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'condonare', which means 'to forgive' or 'to overlook'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, reflecting ideas of forgiveness and tolerance.
  • In legal contexts, its use often indicates the acceptance of certain actions that would otherwise be punishable.

The term 'condone' originates from the Latin word 'condonare', which means 'to give up' or 'to forgive'. In its early use during the 16th century, it primarily conveyed the idea of forgiving or overlooking an offense. Over time, the meaning evolved to include a broader sense of permitting an action to continue without punishment, often in a moral or ethical context. The word became more prominent in legal and social discussions as societies grappling with concepts of accountability and ethics began to explore the implications of overlooking behavior that is wrong or harmful. Today, 'condone' is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in discussions surrounding social justice, corporate responsibility, and personal relationships, where the nuances of tolerance and approval are critically examined.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,580, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.