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View synonyms for forgive

forgive

[ fer-giv ]

verb (used with object)

, for·gave [fer-, geyv], for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.
  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.



verb (used without object)

, for·gave [fer-, geyv], for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.
  1. to pardon an offense or an offender.

forgive

/ 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)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • forˈgiver, noun
  • forˈgivably, adverb
  • forˈgivable, adjective
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Other Words From

  • for·giva·ble adjective
  • for·giver noun
  • half-for·given adjective
  • prefor·give verb (used with object) preforgave preforgiven preforgiving
  • unfor·giva·ble adjective
  • unfor·giva·ble·ness noun
  • unfor·giva·bly adverb
  • unfor·given adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of forgive1

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

Origin of forgive1

Old English forgiefan ; see for- , give
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Synonym Study

See excuse.
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Example Sentences

Rais Bhuiyan survived one of Stroman’s shootings and the book explores his quest to forgive.

Instead, the heroes held up in media are the family members and activists who forgive their attackers or retain faith in the political system.

From Vox

You can be forgiven for not knowing what to make of Tesla’s amazing run and the battling views on whether it can keep racing.

From Fortune

A popular sentiment on social media suggests you’re either willing to forgive or overlook the rioting or you’re not really with the protesters.

From Vox

As of today, it has been 131 days since the NBA last conducted a regular-season game, so you’d be forgiven for not necessarily recalling the particulars of where things left off.

When a popular Sunni televangelist does it, to forgive is divine.

I do not forgive those who saw the attacks and have refused to cooperate with law enforcement.

In a blog post titled “im sorry,” he wrote only “please forgive me.”

It turns out audiences will forgive such reports when your movies are good.

In the Church of Sorkin, this is the prayer of humility: forgive them, for they know not what they do.

But "the cards never forgive," and as a rule Dame Fortune is relentless to the reckless player.

If I don't hear from you very decisively to the contrary, I shall come, and trust to your good nature to forgive it.

And man hath bowed himself down, and man hath been debased: therefore forgive them not.

Nor would it be just for you to forgive him because another son of yours was willing to be punished in his stead.

“You must forgive her, Mrs. Foley,” Jessie said, coming down to meet the woman and taking the baby from her.

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forgingforgive and forget