Forgivable: meaning, definitions and examples

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forgivable

 

[ fərˈɡɪvəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

moral judgment

Forgivable refers to something that is regarded as excusable or justifiable, often in the context of a mistake or wrongdoing. It implies that the action or behavior is not deemed irreparable and can be overlooked or pardoned. This term is commonly used when discussing ethical dilemmas or personal grievances. The idea of forgiveness is generally associated with the notion of mercy and consideration of human fallibility.

Synonyms

excusable, justifiable, overlooked, pardoned.

Examples of usage

  • His minor mistakes were forgivable.
  • She found his behavior forgivable under the circumstances.
  • They decided that the offense was forgivable.
  • In the end, it was forgivable because he apologized.

Translations

Translations of the word "forgivable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perdoável

🇮🇳 क्षम्य

🇩🇪 verzeihbar

🇮🇩 dimaafkan

🇺🇦 пробачний

🇵🇱 wybaczalny

🇯🇵 許すことができる (yurusu koto ga dekiru)

🇫🇷 pardonnable

🇪🇸 perdonable

🇹🇷 affedilebilir

🇰🇷 용서할 수 있는 (yongseohal su itneun)

🇸🇦 قابل للعفو (qābil lilʿafw)

🇨🇿 odpustitelný

🇸🇰 odpustiteľný

🇨🇳 可原谅的 (kě yuánliàng de)

🇸🇮 odpuščljiv

🇮🇸 fyrirgefandi

🇰🇿 кешірімді

🇬🇪 ბოდიშის ღირსი (bodishi ghirs)

🇦🇿 bağışlanıla bilən

🇲🇽 perdonable

Etymology

The word 'forgivable' is derived from the verb 'forgive', which has its roots in the Old English 'forgiefan', meaning to give up or to cease to resent. This term combines the prefix 'for-' indicating a relinquishing or freeing and 'giefan', which means to give. The modern sense of 'forgive' emerged through Middle English as 'forgiveren'. The suffix '-able' was added in the late Middle Ages, rendering it an adjective meaning capable of being forgiven. The evolution of 'forgivable' reflects a growing understanding of human relationships and moral values, emphasizing that while wrongdoing can be serious, it may not always warrant severe punishment or lasting resentment. This concept has significant implications in various fields, including law, psychology, and personal relationships, highlighting our capacity for empathy and understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,138, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.