1
Core action
Accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
Example
The organization does not condone harassment.
condone
/kənˈdəʊn/ · kun-DOHNverb
Accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
Use condone to express this relationship precisely: accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
What condone Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Silence may appear to condone the officials' misconduct.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Understanding the motive does not mean condoning the act.
Use condone Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The organization does not condone harassment.
Silence may appear to condone the officials' misconduct.
Understanding the motive does not mean condoning the act.
Precision Matters
Condone overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
condone
vs.Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
condemn
Means express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
condone
vs.Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
castigate
Means reprimand or criticize someone severely for wrongdoing or failure.
condone
vs.Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
debunk
Means expose or prove a belief, claim, theory, or story to be false or exaggerated.
condone
vs.Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
reprieve
Means a temporary cancellation, postponement, or relief from punishment, danger, or an unpleasant situation.
Test condone in Context
She will not excuse or tolerate behaviour she considers wrong.
1
Although the coach understood the pressure on the players, she refused to ___ their deliberate cheating.