forgiving

[ fer-giv-ing ]

adjective

1. disposed to forgive; indicating forgiveness:

   a forgiving soul; a forgiving smile.

2. tolerant:

   The mountain is not forgiving of inexperienced climbers.

forgiving

/ fəˈɡɪvɪŋ /

adjective

1. willing to forgive; merciful

Derived Forms

• forˈgivingly, adverb
• forˈgivingness, noun

Other Words From

• for·giving·ly adverb
• for·giving·ness noun
• nonfor·giving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forgiving¹

First recorded in 1680–90; forgive + -ing ²

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

“Sometimes the idea of forgiving someone feels, like, impossible,” Jimmy tells someone.

From Salon

This doesn’t necessarily mean forgiving those who kill, it only means letting go of the need for revenge.

From Salon

Beans cooked in this fashion are very forgiving and precise technique is less important than intention and patience.

From Salon

The network also has an older audience which are both familiar with him, and perhaps also more forgiving.

From BBC

Related Words

• lenient
• magnanimous
• merciful