NYT Dictionary

PARDON

/ˈpɑɹdn̩/
NounVerbInterjectionPAR-donpar-don · 2 syllablesGrade 3

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025

Meaning

Forgiveness for an offence.

Etymology

Origin: Old English

From Middle English pardonen, from Old French pardoner (modern French pardonner), from Late Latin perdōnāre, from per- + dōnāre, possibly a calque (if not vice-versa) of a Germanic word represented by Frankish *firgeban (“to forgive, give up completely”), from *fir- + *geban. Akin to Old High German fargeban, firgeban (“to forgive”), Old English forġiefan (“to forgive”). More at forgive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

clemencyamnestyremitforgivenessexcuseabsolutionabsolveacquitbenevolenceclearance

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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