pardons
word · lemma: pardon
Definition
'Pardons' is the plural of 'pardon'. It means official decisions to forgive someone for a crime, so the government no longer punishes them. It can also mean expressions of forgiveness for mistakes, but the legal meaning is most common.
Usage & Nuances
'Pardons' is most often used in legal, governmental, or political contexts. Common phrases include 'presidential pardons' and 'granting pardons'. It is formal and not used for minor apologies (where you say 'excuse me' or 'sorry'). Sometimes, 'pardon' is used in everyday speech to ask someone to repeat or as a polite apology, but 'pardons' as a noun usually refers to legal forgiveness.
Example Sentences
The president granted several pardons at the end of his term.
basic
Pardons can free people from prison if granted by the government.
basic
Some countries rarely give pardons for serious crimes.
basic
He was hoping for one of the Christmas pardons, but it never came.
natural
After years of appeals, the group finally received their pardons.
natural
There's always controversy when politicians hand out last-minute pardons.
natural