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
Maybe if he’d stop pursuing such endings, we would have forgiven him by now.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2024
“We might have forgiven them if they’d come forward in the beginning,” he said.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 15, 2024
“She’d never have forgiven you. You had to take care of her family. They matter more to her than her life.”
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
