condone
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
to accept or allow behaviour that is considered wrong or offensive by overlooking, forgiving, or effectively approving it.
To accept or allow something that is considered wrong by failing to condemn or prevent it; to treat something unacceptable as if it were acceptable or harmless. It implies a level of passive or implicit approval.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It is important to note that 'condone' does not mean 'to forgive' in a personal, emotional sense. It refers to an attitude or policy of treating unacceptable behaviour as acceptable, often by authorities, institutions, or social norms. The subject of the verb is typically an authority, institution, or rule, not an individual victim of wrongdoing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both dialects. Often implies a failure of moral or ethical responsibility.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal, legal, and academic contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] condones [object (often negative act/behaviour)][subject] condone [object] by [gerund/noun phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to turn a blind eye to (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The company's policy does not condone harassment of any kind."
Academic
"The study argues that the legal system implicitly condones certain forms of economic inequality."
Everyday
"I can't believe you're condoning his terrible behaviour!"
Technical
In law: 'The statute was seen as condoning the historical taking of land.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The school cannot condone vandalism of its property.
- His silence was seen as condoning their unethical plan.
- The old laws appeared to condone such treatment.
American English
- The university does not condone plagiarism under any circumstances.
- By not firing him, the manager condoned the harassment.
- The policy effectively condones discrimination.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We do not condone bullying at this school.
- I cannot condone you cheating on the test.
- The government's inaction seemed to condone the illegal protests.
- The new policy should not be interpreted as condoning late payments.
- The cultural narrative often condones excessive risk-taking in young men.
- Historians debate whether the treaty tacitly condoned future aggression.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONdone = treat it as if it's CONveniently DONE and acceptable, even when it's wrong.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL STANDING IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER (to condone is to lower or remove that barrier). ACCEPTANCE IS TOLERANCE (implying passive allowance of a negative element).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "простить" (to forgive) – "condone" is not a personal emotional act. Do not confuse with "одобрять" (to approve) – "condone" implies accepting something *bad*, not positive approval. Closest conceptual equivalent is "потворствовать" (to indulge, connive) or "мириться с" (to put up with).
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'forgive' (e.g., 'She condoned him for being late' is incorrect). Using it for positive approval (e.g., 'The teacher condoned her hard work'). Mistaking it for 'condemn' due to similar sound.
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean if an institution 'condones' a certain practice?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Forgive' is a personal, emotional act of letting go of resentment. 'Condone' is an attitude or policy of treating unacceptable behaviour as acceptable, often by someone in a position of authority or by societal norms.
It carries a strongly negative connotation. To say someone condones something is usually a criticism, implying they are failing in their duty to condemn or prevent wrong behaviour.
No, it is only used for behaviour or actions that are generally considered wrong, bad, or offensive. You approve or applaud good things; you condone bad ones.
They are close synonyms. 'Condone' often implies a more passive, implicit approval, sometimes by an authority. 'Tolerate' can be more neutral, simply meaning 'to allow to exist or happen,' though it also often implies disliking what is being tolerated.