pardon

Everyday

1. (polite) A word you say when you did not hear what someone said and want them to repeat it. tree →
2. (polite) Pardon me: sorry, or excuse me, after a small accident such as a burp or bumping someone. tree →
3. An official decision that a person will not be punished for a crime. tree →
4. (verb, formal) To forgive someone or free them from punishment. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it is a polite word: children in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand are often taught to say «Pardon?» instead of «What?». In history and news, a king, president or governor can pardon a prisoner. Phrases: I beg your pardon, pardon me, pardon my French (said after swearing, joking), grant a pardon.

Examples

• Pardon? I didn't hear the question. tree →
• Pardon me, could I get past? tree →
• I beg your pardon, I think that is my seat. tree →
• The king pardoned the thief. tree →
• The prisoner was given a pardon. tree →
• Pardon me for asking, but where did you buy that hat? tree →
• «Pardon my French,» said Dad after he swore at the traffic. tree →
• Will you please pardon my rudeness? tree →

Note

«I beg your pardon» can be a real apology, a request to repeat, or (said sharply) a sign that someone is offended. Some families think «pardon» is more polite than «what?», others prefer «sorry?» or «excuse me?».

In Jewish tradition

Moses asks God to pardon Israel after the spies' report. God says, "I have pardoned according to thy word."

Interpretation. Jewish tradition sees these words as the root of the Yom Kippur prayers of forgiveness. The Thirteen Attributes of mercy are said while asking for pardon.

Examples

• And the LORD said: 'I have pardoned according to thy word. (Torah NUM.14.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Take heed of him, and hearken unto his voice; be not rebellious against him; for he will not pardon your transgression; for My name is in him. (Torah EXO.23.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Pardon, I pray Thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy lovingkindness, and according as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.' (Torah NUM.14.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• We have transgressed and have rebelled; Thou hast not pardoned. (Writings LAM.3.42, JPS 1917) tree →
• For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying: 'The good LORD pardon (Writings 2CH.30.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• Happy is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is pardoned. (Writings PSA.32.1, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«I beg your pardon» can be a real apology, a request to repeat, or (said sharply) a sign that someone is offended. Some families think «pardon» is more polite than «what?», others prefer «sorry?» or «excuse me?».