Condone
mediumNeutral tonekun-DOHN
verb
Definition
to overlook, forgive, or tacitly approve of an offense
Memory hook
conDONE: you 'con-DONE' it, treating the wrong as DONE and over, letting it slide.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The committee refused to condone cheating, no matter how talented the student.”
“By staying silent, the managers seemed to condone the harassment.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The committee refused to ______ cheating, no matter how talented the student.”
Show answer
condone
Categories
GRE Tip
Condone is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "excuse" or "overlook" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "condemn".
Related GRE Words
fawn
to flatter or seek favor through servile behavior
mercenary
motivated chiefly by a desire for money or personal gain
presumptuous
overstepping proper bounds; arrogantly bold
reprehensible
deserving of strong condemnation or blame
boorish
rude, ill-mannered, and insensitive
bootlicker
A person who behaves obsequiously to gain favor; a sycophant
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