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

Even then, his humor is gentle and forgiving.

From Los Angeles Times

Promises — a $50,000 signing bonus, the forgiving of student loans and “generous” benefits — pile on top of each other toward the end of the ad with a plug for ICE’s website.

From Los Angeles Times

The view itself was nothing to speak of — dumpsters, power lines, the occasional good dog sighting — but the light was generous, forgiving, the kind that makes even a chipped coffee mug glow like stained glass.

From Salon

While many stayed, a major contingent wound up migrating to California, a more free-thinking place with the forgiving climate, dramatic landscapes, willing clients and booming economy to help turn their Oklahoma dreams into reality.

From Los Angeles Times

"In the last 15 months there's been an extra effort to try and be a little bit more forgiving to myself and understanding my own psychology really," he admitted.

From BBC

Related Words

• lenient 
• magnanimous 
• merciful