condone 🔊
Meaning of condone
To accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue, often by ignoring or forgiving it.
Key Difference
While 'condone' implies passive acceptance or overlooking of wrongdoing, its synonyms may vary in intensity, from active approval to mere tolerance.
Example of condone
- The school cannot condone bullying and must take strict action against it.
- By staying silent, many leaders condone corruption in their governments.
Synonyms
overlook 🔊
Meaning of overlook
To fail to notice or ignore something, often deliberately.
Key Difference
Overlooking is more about negligence, while condoning implies awareness and passive acceptance.
Example of overlook
- The manager chose to overlook the employee's tardiness this time.
- Parents should not overlook their child's disrespectful behavior.
excuse 🔊
Meaning of excuse
To forgive or justify a fault or offense.
Key Difference
Excusing involves providing a reason for leniency, whereas condoning does not necessarily require justification.
Example of excuse
- She excused his rude comment, attributing it to stress.
- The judge excused the minor violation due to lack of prior offenses.
forgive 🔊
Meaning of forgive
To stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense.
Key Difference
Forgiveness is emotional and personal, while condoning is more about societal or institutional tolerance.
Example of forgive
- He forgave his friend for betraying his trust.
- Many find it hard to forgive acts of dishonesty.
tolerate 🔊
Meaning of tolerate
To allow the existence or occurrence of something without interference.
Key Difference
Tolerance is broader and can apply to behaviors, beliefs, or practices, while condoning specifically relates to wrongdoing.
Example of tolerate
- A democratic society must tolerate diverse opinions.
- Some workplaces tolerate casual attire on Fridays.
ignore 🔊
Meaning of ignore
To refuse to take notice of or acknowledge something.
Key Difference
Ignoring is a deliberate act of disregard, while condoning may involve implicit acceptance.
Example of ignore
- She ignored the rude remarks and continued her presentation.
- Ignoring climate change will only worsen its impacts.
pardon 🔊
Meaning of pardon
To release someone from the punishment or consequences of an offense.
Key Difference
Pardoning is an official or formal act, whereas condoning is often informal and societal.
Example of pardon
- The governor pardoned the prisoner after new evidence emerged.
- Historical figures are sometimes pardoned posthumously for their convictions.
disregard 🔊
Meaning of disregard
To pay no attention to something intentionally.
Key Difference
Disregard is more active and dismissive, while condoning may involve silent approval.
Example of disregard
- The company disregarded safety protocols, leading to an accident.
- Disregarding expert advice can have serious consequences.
wink at 🔊
Meaning of wink at
To pretend not to see something wrong or to tacitly approve of it.
Key Difference
Winking at implies a playful or conspiratorial tone, unlike the more neutral 'condone.'
Example of wink at
- Some authorities wink at minor violations to avoid paperwork.
- Parents sometimes wink at their children's mischief during holidays.
let pass 🔊
Meaning of let pass
To allow something to happen without objection.
Key Difference
Letting pass is more situational and temporary, while condoning can be a long-term attitude.
Example of let pass
- The teacher let the student's late submission pass this once.
- In negotiations, small concessions are often let pass to reach a deal.
Conclusion
- Condone is used when there is a conscious, often passive acceptance of wrongdoing, usually in a social or institutional context.
- Overlook is best when the focus is on negligence or deliberate inattention rather than acceptance.
- Excuse fits when there is a justification or reasoning behind leniency.
- Forgive is appropriate in personal or emotional contexts where resentment is released.
- Tolerate applies to broader scenarios, including differences in opinion or behavior, not just wrongdoing.
- Ignore should be used when the act is a deliberate refusal to acknowledge.
- Pardon is formal and often legal, suitable for official acts of forgiveness.
- Disregard is stronger and implies an active dismissal of importance.
- Wink at works in informal or playful contexts where tacit approval is given.
- Let pass is situational, often used for temporary or minor allowances.