pardon etymology

Etymology

The word "pardon" comes from the Old French word "pardonner," which itself comes from the Late Latin word "perdonare," meaning "to forgive." The Latin word is derived from the prefix "per-" (meaning "through") and the verb "donare" (meaning "to give").

Meaning

A pardon is an act of forgiveness, typically granted by a person in authority to someone who has committed a crime. It can also refer to the release from imprisonment or other punishment.

Origin

The concept of pardon has existed for centuries. In ancient times, pardons were often granted by kings or other rulers as a way to show mercy or to reward loyalty. In the Middle Ages, the concept of pardon was formalized in the Catholic Church, where it became a sacrament.

In the United States, the power to grant pardons is vested in the President. The Constitution gives the President the authority to "grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States." The President has broad discretion when it comes to granting pardons, and can do so for any reason.

The power to grant pardons is a powerful one. It can be used to correct injustices, to show mercy, or to reward loyalty. However, it can also be used for political purposes or to benefit the President's friends and allies.

The use of pardons has been controversial throughout history. Some people believe that pardons are too often used to reward criminals and to undermine the rule of law. Others believe that pardons can be a valuable tool for correcting injustices and showing mercy.

pardon relate terms

  • forgive

    Etymology The word forgive originates from the Old English word forgifan which mean

  • pardon

    Etymology The word pardon comes from the Old French word pardonner which itself come

  • forgiving

    Etymology The word forgiving comes from the Old English word forgifan which is a com

  • parboil

    Etymology parboil lt Middle English parboilen lt Old French parboillir lt Late La

  • pardon

    Etymology The word pardon comes from the Old French word pardonner which itself come

  • parvenu

    Etymology French parvenu past participle of parvenir to arrive reach Latin perv

  • perceive

    Etymology Latin percipere to take hold of lay hold of Proto Indo European per

  • perfect

    Etymology Perfect comes from the Latin word perfectus which means completed finish

  • perform

  • pertain

    Etymology Latin pertinēre to belong to to have a relation to to concern Proto In

  • excuse

    Etymology Excuse originates from the Old French word escusser meaning to shake off

  • amnesty

    Etymology From Ancient Greek ἀμνηστία amnēstía from ἀ a without

  • amnesty

    Etymology From Ancient Greek ἀμνηστία amnēstía from ἀ a without

  • propitious

    Etymology Latin proprius one s own favorable Sanskrit priya dear Meaning an

  • remit

    Etymology The word remit originates from the Latin verb remittere which means to se

  • remission

    Etymology Derived from Latin remissiō relaxation release which is from the ver

  • condone

    Etymology The word condone comes from the Latin phrase con donare which means to g

  • mercy

    Etymology Old French merci Late Latin merces reward payment Proto Indo European

  • condonation

    Etymology Latin condonare to forgive pardon con with together donare t

  • clemency

    Etymology From the Old French clemencie ultimately derived from the Latin word clem