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condone

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "condone": To condone something is to accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive. I

What does "condone" mean?

To condone something is to accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive. Imagine someone looking the other way while a rule is being broken; by not intervening or punishing the act, they are effectively giving it their silent approval. It is almost always used in a negative context, often implying that the speaker is distancing themselves from an action they find unacceptable. You will frequently hear it used with "cannot" or "will not," as in "I cannot condone this behavior," to emphasize a strong moral stance against something.

"condone" in conversation

Workplace Conduct

We cannot condone the use of company resources for personal projects.

We cannot condone the use of company resources for personal projects.

I understand, it won't happen again.

I understand, it won't happen again.

Used here to set a formal boundary for acceptable office behavior.

Discussing a Movie

Do you think the protagonist's actions were justified?

Do you think the protagonist's actions were justified?

Not at all. The film seems to condone violence as a way to solve problems, which I find problematic.

Not at all. The film seems to condone violence as a way to solve problems, which I find problematic.

Used here to critique the underlying message or morality of a creative work.

"condone" in a sentence

  1. The school does not condone bullying in any form.

    The school does not condone bullying in any form.

  2. By remaining silent, the board effectively condoned the manager's unethical decisions.

    By remaining silent, the board effectively condoned the manager's unethical decisions.

  3. While I respect your right to hold an opinion, I cannot condone the inflammatory language you used to express it.

    While I respect your right to hold an opinion, I cannot condone the inflammatory language you used to express it.

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