forgive
verb (used with object)
to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
had been forgiving
-
past perfect progressiveof forgive.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
He said he found that people "had been forgiving" over his breaking of the restrictions, but called his mistake a "failure of leadership".
From BBC ● Dec. 6, 2021
Sir James Thornhill had been forgiving, kind, and generous after a time—two years—and opened to the runaway lovers his heart and his purse.
From Art in England Notes and Studies by Dutton Cook
