French Conversation · Level 185
15 words
French word
gracier
Pronunciation
IPA/gʁasje/
Meaning
- verbpardon
Example
Le président a gracié le prisonnier.
The president pardoned the prisoner.
More examples
Le gouvernement a décidé de gracier plusieurs personnes.
The government decided to pardon several people.
Core concept
An official authority lifting all or part of a convicted person's sentence.
Common phrases
gracier quelqu'un
pardon someone
être gracié
be pardoned
Similar words
pardonner: To forgive someone's actions and let go of resentment or anger.
excuser: To forgive a mistake after taking the circumstances into account.
libérer: To release someone from confinement and restore their freedom.
Definition in French
Accorder à une personne la grâce, c'est-à-dire annuler ou réduire une peine prononcée par une autorité publique.
Word origin
French gracier comes from grâce, from Latin gratia through Old French, and developed as a verb for granting official mercy in a sentence.
Usage tips
- Gracier is a formal legal verb for an authority, not the ordinary verb pardonner for personal forgiveness.