Forgive: meaning, definitions and examples

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forgive

 

[ fərˈɡɪv ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

in relationships

Stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.

Synonyms

absolve, disregard, excuse, overlook, pardon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forgive

Use this when someone has done something wrong to you, and you are willing to let go of the anger or resentment. It is often about emotional healing.

  • I forgive you for lying to me.
  • Can you forgive him for his mistake?
pardon

Pardon is often used in legal contexts or very formal settings. It means to forgive someone officially. It can also be used in everyday manners to politely excuse oneself.

  • The governor pardoned the convict.
  • Pardon me, could you pass the salt?
excuse

This term can be used when you are explaining away someone's actions and finding reasons why they should not be blamed. It can sometimes sound like you are making excuses.

  • Please excuse my lateness.
  • I excuse his behavior because he was under a lot of stress.
absolve

This word is more formal and is often used in religious or legal contexts. It means to declare someone free from guilt or responsibility.

  • The priest absolved him of his sins.
  • The court absolved her from any wrongdoing.
overlook

Use this when deciding to ignore something minor or unimportant. It often implies a conscious choice to accept something without making it an issue.

  • She decided to overlook his minor mistakes.
  • The teacher overlooked the child’s mischief.
disregard

Disregard means to ignore something intentionally. It does not carry the emotional or moral weight of forgiveness. It can have a somewhat dismissive or negative connotation.

  • He disregarded the warning signs.
  • They chose to disregard her advice.

Examples of usage

  • I find it hard to forgive and forget
  • he asked me to forgive him for the things he said
Context #2 | Verb

in religion

Cease to feel resentment against (an offender).

Synonyms

absolve, excuse, exonerate, pardon, pity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forgive

Use when someone wishes to let go of anger or resentment towards someone else for a mistake or wrong they committed, often on a personal level.

  • I forgive you for forgetting my birthday.
  • After years of conflict, they finally forgave each other.
absolve

Typically used in religious or legal contexts to indicate being declared free from guilt, responsibility, or duty.

  • The priest absolved him of his sins.
  • The court absolved the man of all charges.
pardon

Used both in legal contexts and everyday language, it means to officially forgive someone for their offense or wrongdoing. Can be used formally or informally.

  • The president pardoned the convicted felon.
  • Pardon me for interrupting, but I have a question.
excuse

Used when one offers reasons or explanations for someone's behavior or asks for permission to be relieved from a duty or responsibility. It may imply being lenient temporarily.

  • I excuse you for being late this time, but please be punctual next time.
  • Please excuse me from tonight's meeting.
exonerate

Primarily used in formal or legal contexts to indicate that someone has been officially cleared from blame or fault, especially after an investigation.

  • The evidence served to exonerate the accused.
  • She was exonerated from all allegations.
pity

Used to express sorrow or sympathy for someone's suffering or misfortune. Can sometimes have a condescending tone.

  • I feel pity for the homeless.
  • She looked at him with pity as he told his story.

Examples of usage

  • God, I forgive him
Context #3 | Noun

general

The action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.

Synonyms

absolution, clemency, pardon, remission.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
forgive

Used in casual or personal situations when someone wants to let go of resentment or anger towards someone else for a mistake or wrongdoing.

  • I forgive you for forgetting my birthday.
  • She forgave her friend for the argument they had.
pardon

Often used in formal contexts or legal situations when someone is officially forgiven for a crime or wrongdoing, freeing them from the consequences.

  • The president issued a pardon for the convicted felon.
  • He sought a pardon to clear his criminal record.
absolution

Commonly used in religious contexts when referring to being freed from guilt, sin, or penalty, often by a formal declaration.

  • The priest gave him absolution for his sins.
  • She sought absolution for her wrongdoings.
remission

Typically used in contexts involving payment or debt, or in medical terminology, indicating a reduction or cancellation of something.

  • The remission of his debts was a huge relief.
  • Her disease went into remission after the treatment.
clemency

Used in legal or official contexts when someone in authority shows leniency or reduces the severity of a punishment.

  • The governor granted clemency to the convicted prisoner.
  • The judge's clemency saved him from a harsher penalty.

Examples of usage

  • she is quick to ask for forgiveness when she has overstepped the line

Translations

Translations of the word "forgive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perdoar

🇮🇳 माफ करना

🇩🇪 vergeben

🇮🇩 memaafkan

🇺🇦 пробачати

🇵🇱 wybaczać

🇯🇵 許す (ゆるす)

🇫🇷 pardonner

🇪🇸 perdonar

🇹🇷 affetmek

🇰🇷 용서하다

🇸🇦 يغفر

🇨🇿 odpustit

🇸🇰 odpustiť

🇨🇳 原谅 (yuán liàng)

🇸🇮 odpustiti

🇮🇸 fyrirgefa

🇰🇿 кешіру

🇬🇪 მიტევება

🇦🇿 bağışlamaq

🇲🇽 perdonar

Etymology

The word 'forgive' originated from the Old English word 'forgiefan', which meant to give, grant, or allow. The concept of forgiveness has been an important aspect of many religions and cultures throughout history. It is often seen as a way to release anger and resentment, and promote healing and reconciliation.

See also: gave, give, giveaway, given, giver, giving, misgiving.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,273 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.