Pardon Meaning

Pardon

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To forgive someone for an offense, mistake, or wrongdoing.
2. To excuse someone from a punishment, particularly by an authority or official decree.
3. An act of leniency or forgiveness for minor social or conversational errors.
4. Legal exemption from a penalty or sentence, granted by a person in authority.
5. A polite request for someone to repeat something (e.g., “Pardon me?”).

History and Origin

The word “pardon” originates from the Old French pardoner, meaning “to grant forgiveness or absolve.” This, in turn, came from the Medieval Latin perdonare (per- meaning “through” and donare meaning “to give”). Initially associated with religious or legal forgiveness in the medieval period, the term expanded over time to include social courtesies and requests for clarification.

Detailed Explanation

“Pardon” is a multifaceted term commonly used in legal, social, and conversational contexts. In law, a pardon refers to the formal forgiveness of a crime, often issued by a head of state or government, absolving the individual of further punishment. Socially, it is a polite term used to excuse oneself or ask for repetition or clarification in conversation. The essence of “pardon” is rooted in the idea of forgiveness, whether for legal, personal, or minor infractions.

Example Sentences

1. The president issued a pardon to the wrongly convicted individual.
2. Please pardon my interruption, but I have an urgent question.
3. He sought pardon for his mistakes and promised to make amends.
4. The court granted her a full pardon after the new evidence was presented.
5. Pardon me, could you repeat the last part of your sentence?
6. She pardoned his rudeness, knowing he was under stress.
7. The teacher pardoned the student for being late due to the heavy traffic.
8. The governor decided not to grant a pardon in the controversial case.
9. Pardon my ignorance, but could you explain how this works?

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Forgive – To let go of resentment for an offense or mistake.
2. Excuse – To overlook or dismiss a minor fault or error.
3. Absolve – To free someone from guilt or responsibility.
4. Amnesty – Official forgiveness for political offenses or crimes.
5. Condone – To accept or overlook behavior that is typically considered wrong.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Mercy – Compassion or leniency shown toward an offender.
2. Clemency – Leniency granted by an authority, often in legal contexts.
3. Reprieve – A temporary delay or cancellation of punishment.
4. Leniency – Mildness or permissiveness in punishment or judgment.
5. Exoneration – The act of absolving someone from blame or guilt.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Apology – An expression of regret for a mistake or offense.
2. Remission – Forgiveness of a debt, penalty, or obligation.
3. Compassion – Sympathetic concern for others, leading to forgiveness.
4. Acquittal – Legal declaration of someone’s innocence.
5. Justification – A reason or explanation that excuses an action.

Antonyms

1. Condemnation
2. Punishment
3. Accusation
4. Blame
5. Censure