English vocabulary · C1
Condone
/kənˈdoʊn/ · v.
To condone bad acts is to let them happen as if they are fine. You do not show anyone else that you think they are wrong.
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Example sentences
- The teacher would not condone cheating.
- I won't condone theft at work.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — completely (from Latin)
- don — give (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- TOLERATE — accept something unpleasant (Let it continue)
- EXCUSE — forgive a fault (Treat as not serious)
- OVERLOOK — ignore a wrong act (Choose not to notice)
Words with the same root
don — give
- donate — give to help
- donor — someone who gives
- pardon — forgive a wrong act
Lesson notes
To condone bad acts is to let them happen as if they are fine. You do not show anyone else that you think they are wrong.
Related: tolerate, excuse, overlook. Use condone when bad acts seem fine.
The teacher would not condone cheating. I won't condone theft at work.
From Latin. con- means completely. don- means give. Give completely free permission to steal: you condone theft.