WordGarden.ioforgive
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /fəɡˈɪv/
US
- /fərˈɡɪv/
Meanings
Verb
to stop blaming or feeling angry toward someone for a wrong
to absolve someone from sin or moral guilt
to cancel a debt, obligation, or penalty so it no longer has to be paid
Beyond the definition
To forgive someone is not simply to forget what they did. It means choosing to let go of anger, blame, or the wish to punish them. You might forgive a friend for breaking something valuable by accident, or forgive yourself for a mistake you deeply regret. This does not always mean that what happened was acceptable. It means you are no longer holding on to the hurt in the same way. In many everyday situations, to forgive is to make room for peace, healing, and sometimes a better relationship.
To forgive means to stop feeling angry or bitter toward someone after they have hurt, offended, or disappointed you. It can also mean choosing not to blame yourself forever for something you did wrong. When you forgive, you do not always say that the action was fine, and you do not have to trust the person again right away. Instead, you decide to loosen your hold on the anger, pain, or desire for revenge.
People use this word in many kinds of situations: forgiving a friend after an argument, forgiving a family member for years of hurt, forgiving a stranger for a rude act, or forgiving yourself for a bad decision. In religious, moral, and everyday language, it often carries the idea of mercy, healing, and moving forward. Someone may ask, "Can you forgive me?" when they want to be released from blame, or say, "I forgive you" to show that they are ready to let the hurt soften.
To forgive is often a process rather than a single moment, especially after deep pain. Some people forgive quickly, while others need time. The word does not always suggest full reconciliation. You can forgive and still keep boundaries. In that sense, the word is about releasing resentment more than erasing memory. It describes an act of mercy, emotional release, and human understanding.
Examples
- 1
Family conflict
She eventually forgave her brother after the fight.
- 2
Hurtful comment
I don't think she'll forgive him for that comment.
- 3
Cruel words
It's hard to forgive someone for saying cruel things.
- 4
Self-forgiveness
Years later, he still hasn't forgiven himself for walking away.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Religious prayer
He prayed that God would forgive him for his past mistakes.
- 6
Email delay
Please forgive the delay in replying to your email.
- 7
Polite apology
You'll have to forgive me, but I've forgotten your name.
- UsageYou'll have to forgive me
a polite way to apologize
- 8
Personal question
Forgive me for asking, but how old is your son?
- Usageforgive me for asking
a polite way to ask something personal
- 9
Breakup advice
Some people say you should forgive and forget after a breakup.
- Phraseforgive and forget
stop feeling upset and stop thinking about what happened
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- forgiveverb
Forms
- forgivenpast participleverb
- forgiving-ing formverb
- forgavepast tenseverb
- forgivesverb