Forgive Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：pardon (forgive)

forgive 🔊

/fərˈɡɪv/

To stop feeling angry or upset with someone who has done something wrong to you.

Forgive meaning illustration showing letting go of anger

pardon 🔊

➕

/ˈpɑːrdən/

To stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone for a wrong they committed.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：primary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

for- (away) + giefan (to give) => to give away resentment.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'For' + 'give' = give up your anger for someone.

📖 Example

When my best friend accidentally broke my favorite mug, I was sad at first, but I knew I had to forgive her because our friendship is more important. 🔊 When my best friend accidentally broke my favorite mug, I was sad at first, but I knew I had to forgive her because our friendship is more important.

🔗 Collocations

forgive someone for something – to stop being angry at someone because of a mistake

forgive and forget – to forgive someone and move on without holding a grudge

forgive a debt – to cancel or not require repayment of a loan

🔄 Synonyms

pardon (v.) – to officially forgive someone or release them from legal punishment

excuse (v.) – to overlook a fault or mistake without anger

absolve (v.) – to formally declare someone free from guilt or blame

🚫 Antonyms

blame (v.) – to hold someone responsible for a fault

condemn (v.) – to express strong disapproval of someone's actions

punish (v.) – to impose a penalty on someone for a wrongdoing

🌱 Derivatives

forgiveness (n.) – the act of forgiving someone

unforgiving (adj.) – not willing to forgive

forgivable (adj.) – that can be forgiven

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English 'forgiefan', composed of 'for-' (completely) and 'giefan' (to give). Originally meant 'to give up' or 'grant', later evolving to 'stop feeling angry'.