forgiving

[ fer-giv-ing ]
/ fərˈgɪv ɪŋ /

adjective

disposed to forgive; indicating forgiveness: a forgiving soul; a forgiving smile.
tolerant: The mountain is not forgiving of inexperienced climbers.

Origin of forgiving

First recorded in 1680–90; forgive + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM forgiving

for·giv·ing·ly, adverb for·giv·ing·ness, noun non·for·giv·ing, adjective

Definition for forgiving (2 of 2)

forgive
[ fer-giv ]
/ fərˈgɪv /

verb (used with object), for·gave, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve.
to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.).
to grant pardon to (a person).
to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies.
to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.

verb (used without object), for·gave, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing.

to pardon an offense or an offender.

Origin of forgive

before 900; for- + give; replacing Middle English foryiven, Old English forgiefan

SYNONYMS FOR forgive

1 See excuse.
3 absolve, acquit.

OTHER WORDS FROM forgive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH forgive

commute forgive pardon (see synonym study at pardon)

Example sentences from the Web for forgiving

British Dictionary definitions for forgiving (1 of 2)

forgiving
/ (fəˈɡɪvɪŋ) /

adjective

willing to forgive; merciful

Derived forms of forgiving

forgivingly, adverb forgivingness, noun

British Dictionary definitions for forgiving (2 of 2)

forgive
/ (fəˈɡɪv) /

verb -gives, -giving, -gave or -given

to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something)
to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc)
(tr) to free or pardon (someone) from penalty
(tr) to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc)

Derived forms of forgive

forgivable, adjective forgivably, adverb forgiver, noun

Word Origin for forgive

Old English forgiefan; see for-, give