forgive

verb

fur-GIV/fɚˈɡɪv/UKfuh-GIV/fə(ɹ)ˈɡɪv/

Formsforgives, forgiving, forgave, forgiven

6 meanings of forgive

1
verbtransitive
To stop feeling angry at someone who has hurt or wronged you.
Like wiping a chalkboard clean so the old marks are gone.
She finally forgave her brother for breaking the promise.
I forgive you for showing up so late.
Similarpardon, absolve, excuse
Oppositeblame, condemn, resent
2
verbtransitive
To stop feeling angry about a wrong act and let it go.
Like crossing out a small error and moving on.
Please forgive my mistake at the meeting earlier.
She forgave his rude comment without much fuss.
Similarpardon, excuse, overlook, condone
Oppositeresent, avenge
3
verbintransitive
To stop being angry and let wrongs go.
Like opening your hand to drop something heavy you've been holding.
It takes real strength to forgive.
She forgave without a moment of hesitation.
4
verbtransitive
To cancel a debt so someone no longer has to pay it back.
Like tearing up a bill so no one owes the money anymore.
The bank agreed to forgive part of the loan.
They forgave the debt after a flood destroyed his farm.
Similarcancel, waive, remit
5
verbtransitive
To look past something and not let it bother you.
Like looking past a tiny stain on an otherwise nice shirt.
Please forgive the noise from the construction next door.
Readers forgave the book's slow start because the ending was so strong.
Similarexcuse, pardon, overlook, ignore, disregard
6
verbtransitive
To make up for something bad and balance out its harm.
Like a beautiful sunset that makes a tiring day feel worth it.
The stunning view almost forgives the long, steep climb.
Good food can forgive a dull party.
Similaroffset, redeem, outweigh

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of forgive apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Old English 'forgiefan', meaning 'to forgive' or 'to give', made from 'for-' plus 'give'.