forgiving

[ fer-giv-ing ]
/ fərˈgɪv ɪŋ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR forgiving ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

disposed to forgive; indicating forgiveness: a forgiving soul; a forgiving smile.
tolerant: The mountain is not forgiving of inexperienced climbers.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
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Origin of forgiving

First recorded in 1680–90; forgive + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM forgiving

for·giv·ing·ly, adverbfor·giv·ing·ness, nounnon·for·giv·ing, adjective

Words nearby forgiving

forgettery, forging, forgive, forgive and forget, forgiveness, forgiving, forgo, forgot, forgotten, forgotten man, forint

Definition for forgiving (2 of 2)

forgive
[ fer-giv ]
/ fərˈgɪv /

verb (used with object), for·gave, 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, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

to pardon an offense or an offender.

Origin of forgive

before 900; for- + give; replacing Middle English foryiven, Old English forgiefan

SYNONYMS FOR forgive

1 See excuse.
3 absolve, acquit.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR forgive ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM forgive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH forgive

commute forgive pardon (see synonym study at pardon)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to forgiving

lenient, merciful, magnanimous, accepting, kind

Example sentences from the Web for forgiving

British Dictionary definitions for forgiving (1 of 2)

forgiving
/ (fəˈɡɪvɪŋ) /

adjective

willing to forgive; merciful

Derived forms of forgiving

forgivingly, adverbforgivingness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for forgiving (2 of 2)

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, noun

Word 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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012