Forgiving: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is willing to pardon or excuse someone else's mistakes or bad behavior. It's often used in personal relationships and situations where someone has been wronged and chooses to let it go.

• She was very forgiving when he apologized for being late.
• Parents are usually forgiving of their children's mistakes.

Used to describe someone who shows mercy, often in situations where they have power over someone else's fate. It implies a sense of grace or kindness in sparing someone from punishment or hardship.

• The judge decided to be merciful and gave the convict a lighter sentence.
• In war, sometimes soldiers ask for merciful treatment from their captors.

Used to describe someone who is not strict in enforcing rules or harsh in punishment. It is often used regarding authority figures like parents, teachers, or judges. Sometimes it has a negative connotation, implying a lack of discipline.

• The teacher was lenient when grading the final exams.
• He was known to be a lenient parent, rarely enforcing strict rules.

Used to describe someone who shows sympathy and concern for others, often in situations where someone is suffering or in need. It is commonly used to highlight empathy and kindness.

• The nurse was compassionate, always taking time to comfort her patients.
• Her compassionate nature made her a great volunteer at the shelter.

Used to describe someone who is accepting of different opinions, behaviors, and practices, even if they do not agree with them. It is often used in discussions about diversity and social harmony.

• She is very tolerant of different cultures and religions.
• In a tolerant society, people can express their views without fear of persecution.

Used when someone is ready to let go of anger or resentment towards someone who has done something wrong.

• She was quite forgiving of his mistakes
• || It's important to be forgiving when someone apologizes sincerely

Commonly used in a legal context where a person is officially forgiven for a crime or offense, often by a higher authority like a president or governor.

• The president is pardoning the convicted felon
• || After serving 10 years, he was finally pardoned

Often used when someone is providing reasons to lessen the blame or to explain why something wrong happened, sometimes seen as making excuses.

• She kept excusing his bad behavior
• || There's no excusing what he did, it was unacceptable

Usually used in a religious or legal context where an authority figure declares someone free from blame or guilt.

• The priest is absolving him of his sins
• || The court absolved her of all charges

Used in both medical and financial contexts; medically it refers to the reduction or disappearance of symptoms, and financially to the reduction or cancellation of debts or penalties.

• Her cancer is in remission
• || The company offered remission of the overdue charges