Pronunciation: [pˈɑːdənɪŋ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "pardoning" is /ˈpɑː.dən.ɪŋ/. In IPA phonetic transcription, the stressed syllable is "don" and is pronounced with the "ɑː" sound as in "car". The second syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound "ə" and the last syllable is pronounced with the short "ɪ" sound as in "sit". "Pardoning" refers to the act of forgiving or excusing someone, often from a punishment or offense.
Pardoning is a verb that refers to the act of forgiving or excusing someone for a wrongdoing, offense, or crime. It entails granting legal or official forgiveness to an individual for the offense they have committed, usually by a person or institution with the power to do so. The act of pardoning absolves the person of their guilt or punishment associated with their misconduct, offering them an opportunity for a fresh start or a second chance.
When a person is pardoned, it indicates that their transgression is officially forgiven or overlooked, allowing them to avoid or reduce legal consequences, penalties, or sentences they may have faced otherwise. Pardoning can take various forms, ranging from complete exoneration of the individual to a reduction in their punishment, such as a commutation of their sentence or a reprieve.
Pardoning is sometimes granted on grounds of mercy, remorse, or rehabilitation. It can be issued by a head of state, such as a president or monarch, or by a legal authority, such as a judge or governor, depending on the jurisdiction. Pardoning is typically considered a discretionary power, allowing those with authority to use their judgment and discretion in deciding whether an individual should be forgiven or excused for their offense.
Pardoning plays a significant role in the criminal justice system, providing an avenue for redemption, clemency, or restoration of rights and privileges to individuals who have shown remorse or have exhibited positive changes in their behavior, ultimately contributing to the ultimate purpose of corrective justice
The word "pardoning" is derived from the verb "pardon", which originated from the Old French word "pardonner" in the late 14th century. The Old French term is derived from the Latin word "perdonare", where "per" means "thoroughly" or "completely", and "donare" means "to give". Thus, etymologically, "pardoning" refers to the act of granting forgiveness or releasing someone from punishment.
