Condemn vs. Condone: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 7, 2023

To condemn is to express strong disapproval or to sentence someone to a punishment; to condone means to accept or allow behavior that is considered wrong.

Key Differences

Condemn and condone are antonyms with meanings that place them in stark opposition to each other. To condemn is to express complete disapproval of something, often publicly; it is a statement or act that declares something, especially a behavior or action, to be reprehensible or wrong. Condone, by contrast, is to overlook or forgive undesirable behavior, essentially saying that it is acceptable or permissible, whether explicitly or implicitly.

Nov 07, 2023

The act of condemning can also have legal connotations, such as when a court condemns someone to a punishment, like imprisonment. Condone does not have a legal connotation; it’s used more in the context of social and moral behaviors. While condemning something is a declarative act of denouncing, condoning is often a passive action, where one fails to challenge or criticize something that others may expect them to reject.

Nov 07, 2023

For example, a government might condemn acts of violence or terrorism, asserting their stance against such behaviors. Conversely, if that same government takes no action against the perpetrators or fails to address the issue in policy or speech, it might be accused of condoning the violent acts, regardless of its stated position.

Nov 07, 2023

Furthermore, when one condemns a building, it is a declaration that the building is unfit for use, usually leading to its demolition. This is a literal application of the term and illustrates its severity. There is no similar literal usage of condone; it remains firmly in the realm of ethical and behavioral discourse.

Nov 07, 2023

In summary, to condemn is to judge something negatively and consider it unacceptable, often leading to punitive measures or ostracism. To condone, however, is to allow, accept, or continue without protest or censure, often implying a tacit approval or at least the absence of opposition.

Nov 07, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Definition

Express disapproval or sentence to a punishment.

Accept or allow behavior that is considered wrong.

Nov 07, 2023

Connotation

Negative judgement or formal denouncement.

Forgiveness, tolerance, or passive acceptance.

Nov 07, 2023

Legal Usage

Used in the context of legal judgement or sentencing.

Not typically used in a legal context.

Nov 07, 2023

Action

Active and declarative.

Often passive or implicit.

Nov 07, 2023

Social Implication

Implies a call to action or change.

Suggests complacency or acquiescence.

Nov 07, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Condemn and Condone Definitions

Condemn

To sentence someone to a particular punishment.

The criminal was condemned to life imprisonment without parole.

Nov 07, 2023

Condone

To overlook or forgive an offense.

She could not condone her colleague's unprofessional behavior.

Nov 07, 2023

Condemn

To denounce something, especially publicly.

The activist condemned the government's policies on environmental conservation.

Nov 07, 2023

Condone

To accept behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive.

The company does not condone discrimination of any kind.

Nov 07, 2023

Condemn

To express strong disapproval of.

The council publicly condemned the destruction of the historical site.

Nov 07, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Condone

To give tacit approval to a morally questionable act.

By staying silent, he seemed to condone their dubious business practices.

Nov 07, 2023

Condemn

To declare something to be reprehensible or wrong.

He condemned the lack of support for the homeless in the city.

Nov 07, 2023

Condone

To allow or permit something, typically with reluctance.

The teacher condoned the student's late arrival due to the inclement weather.

Nov 07, 2023

Condemn

To judge something as unfit for use.

The old factory was condemned and scheduled for demolition.

Nov 07, 2023

Condone

To implicitly approve something by failing to prevent it.

The administration was accused of condoning corruption.

Nov 07, 2023

Condemn

To express strong disapproval of

Condemned the needless waste of food.

Apr 26, 2023

Condone

To overlook, forgive, or disregard (an offense) without protest or censure.

Apr 26, 2023

Condemn

To pronounce judgment against; sentence

Condemned the felons to prison.

Apr 26, 2023

Condone

(transitive) To forgive, excuse or overlook (something that is considered morally wrong, offensive, or generally disliked).

Apr 26, 2023

FAQs

Does condoning always mean agreement?

Not necessarily agreement, but it does imply acceptance or tolerance.

Nov 07, 2023

Are there consequences for condemning?

Yes, condemning can lead to social or legal repercussions.

Nov 07, 2023

Can condoning be unintentional?

Yes, it can be an act of omission, such as failing to speak against something.

Nov 07, 2023

Is condemnation always negative?

Yes, it involves disapproval or censure.

Nov 07, 2023

Can an organization condemn an action?

Yes, organizations often condemn actions they find unethical or harmful.

Nov 07, 2023

Is condemning always verbal?

No, it can also be a formal action or written statement.

Nov 07, 2023

Can society's standards condemn or condone behavior?

Yes, societal norms often dictate what is condemned or condoned.

Nov 07, 2023

Can a person condone their own behavior?

Yes, by justifying or dismissing their wrongdoing.

Nov 07, 2023

Does condemn imply a need for change?

Yes, it suggests that something should not continue as it is.

Nov 07, 2023

Can laws condone certain behaviors?

Laws can permit behaviors by not prohibiting them, which may be seen as condoning.

Nov 07, 2023

Are the terms condemn and condone used in legal documents?

Condemn is used in legal documents, but condone is not typically used in legal texts.

Nov 07, 2023

Can public figures condemn something effectively?

Yes, public figures often condemn issues to bring attention and advocate for change.

Nov 07, 2023

Does condoning require an active decision?

Not always; it can also be a passive acceptance.

Nov 07, 2023

Can someone condone something by doing nothing?

Yes, inaction can be interpreted as condoning.

Nov 07, 2023

Can an individual’s silence be seen as condoning?

Yes, silence can be seen as passive acceptance or approval.

Nov 07, 2023

Can governments condemn actions internationally?

Yes, governments often condemn actions by other countries or international actors.

Nov 07, 2023

Does cultural context affect what is condemned or condoned?

Yes, cultural norms and values greatly influence these judgments.

Nov 07, 2023

Is condemning a person the same as condemning an action?

No, condemning a person is more severe and personal than condemning their actions.

Nov 07, 2023

Is it possible to both condemn and condone at the same time?

It would be contradictory, as the terms have opposite meanings.

Nov 07, 2023

How can individuals show they condemn something?

Through protests, statements, or advocating for policy changes.

Nov 07, 2023

Jumpsuit vs. Onesie

Busybodying vs. Interference

About Author

Written by

Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

Edited by

Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.