forgive

American  

[fer-giv] / fərˈgɪv /

verb (used with object)

forgave, forgiven, forgiving

1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.

2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).

3. to grant pardon to (a person).

   Synonyms:

   acquit, absolve

4. to cease to feel resentment against.

   to forgive one's enemies.

5. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of.

   to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

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verb (used without object)

forgave, forgiven, forgiving

1. to pardon an offense or an offender.

forgive British  

/ fəˈɡɪv /

verb

1. to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)

2. to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc)

3. (tr) to free or pardon (someone) from penalty

4. (tr) to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc)

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Related Words

See excuse.

Other Word Forms

• forgivable adjective
• forgivably adverb
• forgiver noun
• half-forgiven adjective
• preforgive verb (used with object)
• unforgivable adjective
• unforgivableness noun
• unforgivably adverb
• unforgiven adjective

Etymology

Origin of forgive

First recorded before 900; for- + give; replacing Middle English foryiven, Old English forgiefan

Example Sentences

Joan then told Jacob she forgave him, and offered to give a reference to help him turn his life around.

From BBC

They’re forgiving, versatile and happy to meet you wherever your energy happens to be.

From Salon

Scroll through social media and you'd be forgiven for thinking saunas and cold plunges are close to a miracle cure, boosting immunity, burning fat and fixing everything from sore joints to low mood.

From BBC

One might be forgiven for thinking Karl has skipped, with ease, from one adventure to another.

From BBC

The joy of these meals is in their freedom: they’re forgiving, flexible, and somehow deeply satisfying.

From Salon

Related Words

• absolve
• condone
• excuse
• forget