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View synonyms for forgive

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)


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Derived Forms

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

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of forgive1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of forgive1

Old English forgiefan ; see for- , give

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Synonym Study

See excuse.

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Example Sentences

When a popular Sunni televangelist does it, to forgive is divine.

I do not forgive those who saw the attacks and have refused to cooperate with law enforcement.

In a blog post titled “im sorry,” he wrote only “please forgive me.”

It turns out audiences will forgive such reports when your movies are good.

In the Church of Sorkin, this is the prayer of humility: forgive them, for they know not what they do.

But "the cards never forgive," and as a rule Dame Fortune is relentless to the reckless player.

If I don't hear from you very decisively to the contrary, I shall come, and trust to your good nature to forgive it.

And man hath bowed himself down, and man hath been debased: therefore forgive them not.

Nor would it be just for you to forgive him because another son of yours was willing to be punished in his stead.

“You must forgive her, Mrs. Foley,” Jessie said, coming down to meet the woman and taking the baby from her.

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forgingforgive and forget