What does commuting a sentence mean?

Commuting a sentence refers specifically to the act of reducing the length or severity of a prison sentence. This action is typically carried out by a governor or the president and does not forgive the underlying crime, but rather lessens the punishment associated with it. In definitive terms, if an individual's sentence is commuted, they may serve a shorter time than originally ordered, which directly aligns with the concept of the correct answer.

In contrast, forgiving a crime would imply absolving an individual from any legal penalties, which is not the case in the context of commutation. Postponing a sentence would delay a punishment rather than change its duration, and releasing a prisoner on parole involves allowing a prisoner to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison under specific conditions, which does not directly relate to the commutation of a sentence.