do not condemn

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseformal

   Used to tell someone not to say strongly that someone or something is bad or wrong.

   Grammar: This is a negative imperative. It is followed by an object: do not condemn someone or something.

   Patterns

   • do not condemn someone
   • do not condemn something for something

   Do not condemn him for making a mistake; everyone makes mistakes.

   The judge said, 'Do not condemn the accused without hearing all the evidence.'

   We should not condemn people for their beliefs.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseformal

   Used to say that someone or something does not deserve strong criticism or punishment.

   Grammar: Often used in formal statements or advice: do not condemn something as something.

   Patterns

   • do not condemn something as something

   Do not condemn the whole project as a failure just because of one problem.

   She does not condemn the idea as unrealistic; she just wants more details.

Common combinations

do not condemn someone for something

Do not condemn her for something she did not do.

do not condemn something as something

Do not condemn the plan as a waste of time before you try it.

do not condemn without evidence

The lawyer argued, 'Do not condemn my client without evidence.'

Synonyms and how they differ

criticize

This means to point out faults, often less strongly than 'condemn'. 'Condemn' suggests a strong, moral judgment.

denounce

This means to publicly accuse or criticize someone strongly. It is similar to 'condemn' but often more public.

blame

This means to say someone is responsible for something bad. 'Condemn' is stronger and more about moral disapproval.

Opposites

Word family

condemn verb

To say strongly that someone or something is bad or wrong.

condemnation noun

The act of saying strongly that something is wrong.

condemnatory adjective

Expressing strong disapproval.

Commonly confused: do not condemn or condone?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “do not condemn”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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