forgive
verb (used with object)
to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
forgiven
-
past participleof forgive.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the U.S. is slouching toward recession based on the gloomy headlines.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
The Dodgers could be forgiven for believing it will all work out in the end.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026
Show up on a Wednesday night and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the middle of a busy Saturday.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026
Investors returning from the Labor Day break could be forgiven for wondering if their eyes were deceiving them, but yes, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average were significantly worse than the S&P 500.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026
Either way, most mistakes are soon both forgiven and forgotten; they are a fact of life, and one ought not to lose sleep over them.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
