Definitions and Examples of forgive, pardon
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone who has wronged you; to let go of the desire for revenge.
Example
After much reflection, she decided to forgive her ex-boyfriend for cheating on her.
To officially forgive someone for a crime or wrongdoing; to excuse someone from punishment.
Example
The governor decided to pardon the prisoner who had served 20 years in jail for a non-violent drug offense.
Key Differences: forgive vs pardon
- 1Forgive is a personal decision to let go of anger or resentment towards someone who has wronged you.
- 2Pardon is an official act of forgiveness by a person in authority, such as a governor or a president.
Effective Usage of forgive, pardon
- 1Conflict Resolution: Use forgive to resolve personal conflicts and promote reconciliation.
- 2Legal Context: Use pardon in legal contexts to refer to the official act of forgiving a crime or wrongdoing.
- 3Moral Values: Incorporate antonyms in discussions about moral values such as forgiveness, compassion, and empathy.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Forgive is a personal decision to let go of anger or resentment, while pardon is an official act of forgiveness by a person in authority. Use these words to promote conflict resolution, discuss legal contexts, and explore moral values such as forgiveness and compassion.
