Dictionary.com

forgive

[ fer-giv ]
/ fərˈgɪv /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: forgive / forgave / forgiven / forgiving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), for·gave [fer-geyv], /fərˈgeɪv/, 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 [fer-geyv], /fərˈgeɪv/, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.
to pardon an offense or an offender.
QUIZ
ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ
There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Let's find out!
Question 1 of 7
True or false? British English and American English are only different when it comes to slang words.

Origin of forgive

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

synonym study for forgive

1. See excuse.

OTHER WORDS FROM forgive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH forgive

commute, forgive , pardon
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use forgive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for forgive

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
FEEDBACK