forgive
|for-give|
B1
🇺🇸
/fərˈɡɪv/
🇬🇧
/fəˈɡɪv/
pardon
Etymology
Etymology Information
'forgive' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forgiefan,' where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'giefan' meant 'to give.'
Historical Evolution
'forgiefan' transformed into the Middle English word 'forgeven,' and eventually became the modern English word 'forgive.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to give completely,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to pardon or excuse.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
She decided to forgive him for his mistake.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35