Word choice (legal vs personal): select the correct verb for a king's formal act of mercy Context: A king performs an official, legal act regarding a rebel. Complete the sentence: "The king ______ the rebel." Choose the correct option.

Given data

• Subject: a king (official capacity).
• Object: the rebel (likely a legal/penal context).

Concept/Approach
A ruler’s formal act of remission is a pardon. Forgive is personal/moral; excuse suggests justification of a minor fault, not remission of punishment.

Option analysis
pardoned — correct legal term for remission of penalty. ✅forgave — personal absolution, not necessarily legal.excused — treats as not requiring blame; not appropriate for rebellion.none of these — incorrect because a correct option exists.

Final Answer
pardoned