Forgive: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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?

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.