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.

Sumera Saeed
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.

Sumera Saeed
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.

Sumera Saeed
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.

Sara Rehman
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.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Express disapproval or sentence to a punishment.
Accept or allow behavior that is considered wrong.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Connotation
Negative judgement or formal denouncement.
Forgiveness, tolerance, or passive acceptance.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Legal Usage
Used in the context of legal judgement or sentencing.
Not typically used in a legal context.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Social Implication
Implies a call to action or change.
Suggests complacency or acquiescence.

Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
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Condemn and Condone Definitions
Condemn
To sentence someone to a particular punishment.
The criminal was condemned to life imprisonment without parole.

Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Condone
To overlook or forgive an offense.
She could not condone her colleague's unprofessional behavior.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Condemn
To denounce something, especially publicly.
The activist condemned the government's policies on environmental conservation.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Condone
To accept behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive.
The company does not condone discrimination of any kind.

Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Condemn
To express strong disapproval of.
The council publicly condemned the destruction of the historical site.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
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Condone
To give tacit approval to a morally questionable act.
By staying silent, he seemed to condone their dubious business practices.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Condemn
To declare something to be reprehensible or wrong.
He condemned the lack of support for the homeless in the city.

Aimie Carlson
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.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Condemn
To judge something as unfit for use.
The old factory was condemned and scheduled for demolition.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Condone
To implicitly approve something by failing to prevent it.
The administration was accused of condoning corruption.

Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Condemn
To express strong disapproval of
Condemned the needless waste of food.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 26, 2023
Condone
To overlook, forgive, or disregard (an offense) without protest or censure.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 26, 2023
Condemn
To pronounce judgment against; sentence
Condemned the felons to prison.

Sumera Saeed
Apr 26, 2023
Condone
(transitive) To forgive, excuse or overlook (something that is considered morally wrong, offensive, or generally disliked).

Sumera Saeed
Apr 26, 2023
FAQs
Does condoning always mean agreement?
Not necessarily agreement, but it does imply acceptance or tolerance.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Are there consequences for condemning?
Yes, condemning can lead to social or legal repercussions.

Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can condoning be unintentional?
Yes, it can be an act of omission, such as failing to speak against something.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can an organization condemn an action?
Yes, organizations often condemn actions they find unethical or harmful.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Is condemning always verbal?
No, it can also be a formal action or written statement.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can society's standards condemn or condone behavior?
Yes, societal norms often dictate what is condemned or condoned.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can a person condone their own behavior?
Yes, by justifying or dismissing their wrongdoing.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Does condemn imply a need for change?
Yes, it suggests that something should not continue as it is.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can laws condone certain behaviors?
Laws can permit behaviors by not prohibiting them, which may be seen as condoning.

Janet White
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.

Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Can public figures condemn something effectively?
Yes, public figures often condemn issues to bring attention and advocate for change.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Does condoning require an active decision?
Not always; it can also be a passive acceptance.

Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can someone condone something by doing nothing?
Yes, inaction can be interpreted as condoning.

Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can an individual’s silence be seen as condoning?
Yes, silence can be seen as passive acceptance or approval.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Can governments condemn actions internationally?
Yes, governments often condemn actions by other countries or international actors.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Does cultural context affect what is condemned or condoned?
Yes, cultural norms and values greatly influence these judgments.

Aimie Carlson
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.

Sumera Saeed
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.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
How can individuals show they condemn something?
Through protests, statements, or advocating for policy changes.

Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera 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 RiazSawaira 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.
