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Pardon

UK //ˈpɑː.dən// US //ˈpɑrdən// Pronunciation

Definition

To officially forgive or excuse someone for an offense.

Listen to definition

In simple words: To excuse someone for something they did wrong.

Examples

• Could you please PARDON my interruption during the meeting?
• I ask for your PARDON for being late to dinner.
• The judge decided to PARDON the offender after their apology.
• PARDON my French, but that was unacceptable.
• You must PARDON her youthful mistakes.

Usage notes

Use 'pardon' in formal situations or when asking for forgiveness. Less common in casual settings.

Listen to usage notes

Grammar pattern

pardon + object

Memory hint

Think of 'pardon' as 'pardon me' when you want to excuse yourself.

Collocations

• pardon me
• pardon my interruption
• pardon my mistake

Synonyms

• forgive
• excuse
• absolve
• dismiss
• overlook

Antonyms

• blame
• condemn
• punish

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'forgive' - 'pardon' is more formal.
• Used inappropriately in casual conversations.
• Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'pardon?' without context.