forgive
verb (used with object)
to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
have forgiven
-
present perfectof forgive.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Investors might have forgiven the EV charges if Stellantis hadn’t also cut its dividend.
From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026
Minutes before, Kirk’s wife had offered a very different address, saying that her husband would have forgiven his killer.
From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2025
"I truly believe that he would have forgiven the people who did that to him."
From BBC ● Jan. 20, 2024
“I feel blessed, grateful. … I did not want to take the risk. I would not have forgiven myself if something had happened to them because of me,” crossing the jungle.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 5, 2024
“If she was, I don’t think she could have forgiven herself for it.”
From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
