forgiving

[fer-giv-ing]

adjective

1. disposed to forgive; indicating forgiveness.

   a forgiving soul; a forgiving smile.

2. tolerant.

   The mountain is not forgiving of inexperienced climbers.

forgiving

/ fəˈɡɪvɪŋ /

adjective

1. willing to forgive; merciful

Other Word Forms

• forgivingly adverb
• forgivingness noun
• nonforgiving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forgiving¹

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

Example Sentences

Baking with yeast can sound intimidating, but this dough is disarmingly forgiving.

Read more on Salon

He’s even forgiving to Joel Silver, the volcanic producer.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

You usually won’t get cold, dry powder under your skis, but you will find soft, forgiving and playful snow, which some skiers rank as equally rewarding to ski.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As Amorim said, United must take advantage of such a forgiving fixture list.

Read more on BBC

One of the quiet joys of a no-bake cheesecake is how forgiving the crust can be.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• lenient 
• magnanimous 
• merciful