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forgive
[ fer-giv ]
/ fərˈgɪv /
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verb (used with object), for·gave [fer-geyv], /fərˈgeɪv/, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.
to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
to grant pardon to (a person).
to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies.
to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.
verb (used without object), for·gave [fer-geyv], /fərˈgeɪv/, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.
to pardon an offense or an offender.
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Origin of forgive
synonym study for forgive
1. See excuse.
OTHER WORDS FROM forgive
Words nearby forgive
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use forgive in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for forgive
forgive
/ (fəˈɡɪv) /
verb -gives, -giving, -gave or -given
to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)
to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc)
(tr) to free or pardon (someone) from penalty
(tr) to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc)
Derived forms of forgive
forgivable, adjectiveforgivably, adverbforgiver, nounWord Origin for forgive
Old English forgiefan; see for-, give
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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