forgive

[ fer-giv ]

verb (used with object)

, for·gave [fer-, geyv], for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

1. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
3. to grant pardon to (a person).

   Synonyms: acquit, absolve

4. to cease to feel resentment against:

   to forgive one's enemies.

5. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of:

   to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

verb (used without object)

, for·gave [fer-, geyv], for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

1. to pardon an offense or an offender.

forgive

/ fəˈɡɪv /

verb

1. to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)
2. to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc)
3. tr to free or pardon (someone) from penalty
4. tr to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc)

Derived Forms

• forˈgiver, noun
• forˈgivably, adverb
• forˈgivable, adjective

Other Words From

• for·giva·ble adjective
• for·giver noun
• half-for·given adjective
• prefor·give verb (used with object) preforgave preforgiven preforgiving
• unfor·giva·ble adjective
• unfor·giva·ble·ness noun
• unfor·giva·bly adverb
• unfor·given adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forgive¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of forgive¹

Old English forgiefan ; see for- , give

Synonym Study

See excuse.

Example Sentences

In July 2023, the Education Department launched the first elements of its Saving on a Valuable Education repayment plan to cut payments and forgive low balances on federal student loans more quickly.

From Los Angeles Times

US presidents have wide authority to forgive people convicted of federal crimes or end their prison sentences.

From BBC

For them to be forgiven, those who have embraced hate and cruelty need to admit that their political choices were wrong.

From Salon

So forgive me if I clocked but didn’t appreciate the irony of Reed’s “I did this because you let me” lecture in “Heretic,” or its depiction of women in cages.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, he dug in his heels, hoping voters would forgive and forget.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolve
• condone
• excuse
• forget