What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forgiveness
Example
She found it difficult to forgive her ex-husband for cheating on her. [forgive: verb]
Example
Forgiveness is an important part of the healing process after a traumatic event. [forgiveness: noun]
pardon
Example
The governor granted a pardon to the prisoner, clearing his criminal record. [pardon: noun]
Example
I hope you can pardon me for being late to our meeting. [pardon: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Forgiveness is more commonly used than pardon in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to various situations. Pardon is more specific and is typically used in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forgiveness and pardon?
Pardon is a more formal term that is often used in legal or official contexts, while forgiveness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
