condon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Very LowHistorical, Archaic, Legalistic (obsolete).
Quick answer
What does “condon” mean?
A rare, often archaic term meaning to forgive, pardon, or overlook an offense.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare, often archaic term meaning to forgive, pardon, or overlook an offense.
In historical or specialized legal contexts, can refer to the act of absolving someone from a fault, particularly in ecclesiastical or feudal law. Sometimes encountered as a surname.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and obsolete in both varieties. No significant dialectal variation in usage.
Connotations
In both, carries a formal, antiquated, and somewhat solemn connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern corpora for both BrE and AmE, likely appearing only in digitized historical documents.
Grammar
How to Use “condon” in a Sentence
[Subject] condoned [Object (offence/sin/fault)]It was condoned by [Authority]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “condon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bishop had the authority to condon minor ecclesiastical offences.
- The feudal lord might condon a vassal's late tribute in times of hardship.
American English
- The court's historical records show it could condon certain petty crimes.
- Early colonial charters sometimes allowed governors to condon specific violations.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival form in use.
American English
- No standard adjectival form in use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possibly in historical or legal history papers discussing obsolete terminology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
May appear in historical legal or theological texts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “condon”
- Using 'condon' when you mean 'condone'.
- Attempting to use it in modern, informal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'condone'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a distinct, though obsolete, word. 'Condon' means to forgive or pardon, while 'condone' means to accept or allow (offensive behavior) to continue.
For almost all practical purposes, no. It is important primarily for reading historical texts or understanding etymology. Use 'forgive', 'pardon', or 'absolve' instead.
As a proper noun—either a surname (e.g., the baseball player Richard Condon) or a place name (e.g., Condon, Oregon).
Dictionaries are historical records of the language. Including obsolete words like 'condon' helps scholars, writers, and readers understand older literature and the evolution of English vocabulary.
A rare, often archaic term meaning to forgive, pardon, or overlook an offense.
Condon is usually historical, archaic, legalistic (obsolete). in register.
Condon: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a medieval king waving his hand to say, "It is DONE, I pardon you." The 'don' at the end of 'condon' sounds like 'done' – the act of forgiveness is complete.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORGIVENESS IS THE CANCELLATION OF A DEBT. 'Condon' fits this, imagining a formal ledger where the offense is struck through.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for the archaic verb 'condon'?