Forgive
/fərˈɡɪv/noun
To grant pardon for a mistake or offense.
Did you know?The root of 'forgive' carries the connotation of giving up a debt, linking it to ancient ideas of mercy and release from obligation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʲeʔbʰ-
“to give, to take, to grant.”
Old English
Old English
forgiefan
“to give up, to grant, to forgive.”
Middle English
Middle English
forgiven
“to grant pardon or remission.”
14th Century
Middle English
forgynen
“to grant pardon; to remit a sin or offense.”
Modern English
English
forgive
“to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense or mistake.”