B1verbformallawlanguage
US/ˈpɑːr.dən/
UK/ˈpɑː.dən/
to officially free someone from punishment for a crime; also, politely, to forgive
In context
On National Day, the president pardoned thousands of prisoners.
Pardon me for asking, but how old are you exactly?
He was pardoned after new evidence showed he was innocent.
Words that go with pardon
verb + noun
- pardon mePardon me, could you say that again more slowly?
- pardon the interruptionPardon the interruption, but your taxi is waiting outside.
verb + preposition
- pardoned forHe was pardoned for crimes he committed as a teenager.
- pardoned byShe was pardoned by the governor before her trial ended.
adverb + verb
- officially pardonedThe writer was officially pardoned fifty years after his death.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I pardoned my friend for being late.Correct: I forgave my friend for being late.