Definition

To allow something wrong to happen or to accept it without criticizing it.

Example

The teacher did not condone cheating in her classroom.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I really can’t condone how he treated her.

Yeah, that was pretty harsh of him.

People should be held accountable for their actions, right?

Absolutely, we can't just condone bad behavior.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Condone → It is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "donare" (meaning to give). The word means to give approval or overlook an offense, suggesting a sense of acceptance or forgiveness together with the act.

Memory Tip

Think of 'giving approval' ('donare') to something 'together' ('con-') — that's why condone means to overlook or forgive an offense.

Visually Confused Words