What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pardoned
Example
The governor pardoned the prisoner after serving 10 years in jail. [pardoned: verb]
Example
The president granted a pardon to the convicted criminal. [pardon: noun]
absolve
Example
The court absolved the defendant of all charges due to lack of evidence. [absolved: verb]
Example
The priest absolved the penitent of their sins during confession. [absolve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pardon is more common in everyday language than absolve, especially in legal contexts. However, absolve is more commonly used in religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pardoned and absolve?
Pardon is typically associated with a formal tone, especially in legal contexts, while absolve is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in religious contexts.
