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forgive

for·give

forgive

 
 
pronunciation:
fr gIv
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: forgives, forgiving, forgave, forgiven
definition 1: to excuse or pardon (an offense or offender).
Can society forgive these crimes?I can sometimes forgive lying, but I cannot forgive cheating.[verb + gerund ] She loved her father, but she could not forgive his being unfaithful to her mother.[verb + possessive adj + gerund ] He hoped his wife could forgive him for what he did.They pray that God may forgive them their sins.[verb + object + object ]
synonyms:
excuse, overlook, pardon
similar words:
absolve, amnesty, condone, exculpate, exonerate, let off, make allowance for, remit, reprieve, shrive
definition 2: to relinquish anger or resentment against.
Years went by, but she could not forgive him for breaking her heart.
antonyms:
resent
similar words:
absolve, bury, pardon
definition 3: to absolve from any claim on account of.
The credit card company partially forgave the debt.
antonyms:
punish
similar words:
absolve, acquit, cancel, disregard, ignore, nullify, overlook, release from, remit, void
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to excuse or pardon wrongdoing or one who is guilty of wrongdoing; grant forgiveness.
Do you have it in your heart to forgive?
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derivations: forgivable (adj.), forgiver (n.)
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See
  anger, moral