condone
To accept or allow behavior that is considered wrong
Examples
In a meeting
“We cannot condone employees missing deadlines without valid reasons.”
Over coffee
“I don't condone lying, but I understand why she did it.”
Why this word
allow
allow is neutral permission; condone specifically means overlooking or forgiving something wrong
accept
accept can be neutral; condone specifically implies tolerating behavior known to be wrong
tolerate
tolerate means enduring; condone implies tacit approval through not objecting to wrongdoing
Usage tip
Use when discussing acceptance of questionable behavior; implies passive approval rather than active support
Etymology
Latin: condonare (con- 'altogether' + donare 'give'), meaning to forgive or pardon
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it
arbitrary
Based on random choice rather than reason or system