Learn English – Difference between “pardoned” and “forgiven”

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What is the difference between words "pardoned" and "forgiven"?

For instance:

After ten years in prison, Stephen was {pardoned/forgiven} and set free.

I found the definitions of both:

Pardoned – forgive or excuse (a person, error, or offense).
Forgiven – stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.

And to conclude from definitions I would say that "forgiven" encompasses "pardoned", but I am not sure about that. So how can one decide where to use pardoned or forgiven?

Best Answer

If I am pardoned, I am no longer subject to the consequences of having been found guilty (e.g. of a crime). If I am forgiven, I am no longer the cause of negative emotions in the one who forgave me. You can say that pardoning is generally related to a change in punishment or consequences, while forgiving is generally related to a change in feelings or perspective. There is some overlap between the two words, though.