Pardon: meaning, definitions and examples
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pardon
[ ˈpɑːrdn ]
asking for forgiveness
Pardon is a noun that refers to the act of forgiving someone for an offense or mistake. It is a formal way of saying 'I forgive you' or 'Excuse me'. Pardon is often used in polite language to ask for forgiveness or to show understanding towards someone's actions.
Synonyms
absolution, excuse, forgiveness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pardon |
Used formally when someone is forgiven for a serious mistake or offense. It can also be used to politely ask someone to repeat what they said if you did not hear clearly.
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| forgiveness |
Generally used to describe the act of forgiving someone on a personal level, often in relationships. It indicates understanding and acceptance of an apology.
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| excuse |
Commonly used in casual settings to rationalize a small mistake or to politely leave or interrupt. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if used as an attempt to avoid responsibility.
|
| absolution |
Typically used in a religious context where a priest forgives someone's sins. It carries a formal and often spiritual meaning.
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Examples of usage
- He asked for her pardon after accidentally stepping on her foot.
- Pardon me for being late to the meeting.
forgive someone
As a verb, to pardon means to forgive someone for a mistake or wrongdoing. It is an act of granting forgiveness and letting go of any resentment or anger towards the person. Pardoning someone shows compassion and understanding towards their actions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pardon |
Typically used in formal or legal contexts, it often refers to releasing someone from the consequences of a crime. It may also be used in everyday language to politely ask for repetition or to excuse oneself.
|
| forgive |
Commonly used in personal or emotional contexts, this word involves letting go of resentment or anger towards someone who has wronged you.
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| absolve |
Used mainly in religious or moral contexts, this word refers to releasing someone from guilt, responsibility, or sin.
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| excuse |
Often used in everyday situations to explain or justify a mistake, or to ask for forgiveness for minor blunders or misbehavior. It usually has less emotional weight than 'forgive.'
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Examples of usage
- She decided to pardon her friend for betraying her trust.
- The President has the power to pardon individuals convicted of crimes.
Translations
Translations of the word "pardon" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desculpa
🇮🇳 माफ़ करना
🇩🇪 Entschuldigung
🇮🇩 maaf
🇺🇦 вибачення
🇵🇱 przepraszam
🇯🇵 すみません (sumimasen)
🇫🇷 pardon
🇪🇸 perdón
🇹🇷 affedersiniz
🇰🇷 미안해요 (mianhaeyo)
🇸🇦 عذرًا (ʿudhran)
🇨🇿 promiňte
🇸🇰 prepáčte
🇨🇳 对不起 (duìbuqǐ)
🇸🇮 oprosti
🇮🇸 afsakið
🇰🇿 кешіріңіз (keşiriniz)
🇬🇪 ბოდიში (bodishi)
🇦🇿 bağışlayın
🇲🇽 perdón
Etymology
The word 'pardon' originated from the Old French word 'pardoner', which means 'to forgive'. It was used in the context of granting forgiveness or absolution, especially in religious settings. Over time, the term evolved to be used in everyday language to express forgiveness or to seek forgiveness for one's actions.
See also: pardoning, unpardonable, unpardonably.