forgiving

American  

[fer-giv-ing] / fərˈgɪv ɪŋ /

adjective

1. disposed to forgive; indicating forgiveness.

   a forgiving soul; a forgiving smile.

2. tolerant.

   The mountain is not forgiving of inexperienced climbers.

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forgiving British  

/ fəˈɡɪvɪŋ /

adjective

1. willing to forgive; merciful

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Other Word Forms

• forgivingly adverb
• forgivingness noun
• nonforgiving adjective

Etymology

Origin of forgiving

First recorded in 1680–90; forgive + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Learning to recognize these elements — and how they work together — offers a simple, forgiving framework for making soup at home.

From Salon

Were he alive today, the father of our country—who was also a forgiving man, cognizant of his own potential errors—might well be pleased with recent activities at his plantation on the Potomac.

From The Wall Street Journal

I don’t want you to think I’m sidestepping that, or excusing it, or even forgiving it; it’s not for me to forgive, anyhow.

From Literature

Even now that they have reached the Super Bowl, many pundits point to a forgiving schedule -- and the luck of facing Denver in the AFC Championship game after Broncos quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle.

From Barron's

Lucky that she is forgiving and understanding, and that she knows how to wear down anyone’s defenses.

From Literature

Related Words

• lenient
• magnanimous
• merciful