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 her New York Times interview, Cher explained, “It wasn’t a #MeToo moment because I lied to him. I’m not forgiving him because there were some things he did that were ridiculous.”

From Salon

“Please forgive me. I am so, so sorry,” it said.

From BBC

I think we forgive, but we don’t forget.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, people couldn’t forgive Biden for inflation, even though he had nothing to do with it and they told pollsters they were worse off than under Trump.

From Salon

Over the last year you could be forgiven for thinking things could not sink any lower.

From BBC

Related Words

• absolve
• condone
• excuse
• forget