Pardon
/ˈpɑːrdn/
Definitions
3 meaningsA formal forgiveness, typically granted by an authority like a president or governor, for an offense.
/ˈpɑːrdn/
The action of forgiving someone for an offense.
The president issued a pardon for the former political prisoner.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'I forgive you' but officially. Imagine someone broke a rule, and the boss or leader says, 'You're forgiven, no punishment!'
👶 For kids: When someone does something wrong, a pardon means they are forgiven and won't get in trouble.
More Examples
The queen's pardon freed the knight from his sentence.
After years of appeals, he finally received a pardon from the court.
How It's Used
"The governor granted a full pardon to the convicted criminal."
"He sought a pardon for his past mistakes."
To excuse someone for a fault, offense, or error.
/ˈpɑːrdn/
To forgive someone for an offense.
I beg your pardon, I didn't hear you.
💡 Simply: It's like saying, 'It's okay! I won't hold it against you.' Imagine you bumped into someone and you say, 'Pardon me!' - that's like asking to be forgiven!
👶 For kids: To say 'It's okay' when someone does something wrong and they won't get in trouble anymore.
More Examples
The judge pardoned the defendant.
She pardoned his rudeness.
How It's Used
"I beg your pardon for the interruption."
"The king pardoned the rebels."
A polite request for repetition or an expression of apology.
/ˈpɑːrdn/
Used to politely ask someone to repeat what they said or to express apology.
Pardon? Could you repeat that, please?
💡 Simply: It's what you say when you didn't hear something or if you accidentally did something a little rude. Like when you cough and say, "Pardon me!"
👶 For kids: When you didn't hear something, or if you are sorry for something you did.
More Examples
Pardon me, I didn't mean to step on your foot.
Pardon, is this seat taken?
How It's Used
"Pardon? I didn't quite catch that."
"Pardon my interruption."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Beg your pardon
A polite way of expressing surprise or asking someone to repeat something.
"I beg your pardon, I didn't quite understand what you said."
From Anglo-Norman *pardun*, from Old French *pardun*, from Latin *perdonare* 'to forgive', from *per-* 'thoroughly' + *donare* 'to give'.
Used since the 13th century, originally in legal contexts and later expanding to general expressions of apology or requests for repetition.
Memory tip
Think of a royal decree granting freedom – a pardon releases someone from consequences.
Word Origin
"to forgive, to give thoroughly"