Definition of Forgive
Quick Meaning of Forgive
To stop blaming or being angry at someone for something they did wrong.
Detailed Definition of Forgive
To stop being angry with someone and accept what they did.
How to Pronounce Forgive
Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress second syllable: for-GIVE. The 'i' in give sounds like short 'i' in 'sit'.
Watch out: Stress second syllable for-GIVE not FOR-give. Many learners stress first syllable incorrectly.
Origin and Etymology of Forgive
From Old English 'forgiefan' meaning to give up or yield completely.
How to Use Forgive in a Sentence
Each example shows “forgive” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“He apologized and asked her to forgive him.”
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“Parents often forgive their children for making mistakes.”
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“She found it difficult to forgive her friend's betrayal.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Forgive
Common Synonyms for Forgive
Smart Synonyms for Forgive — When to Use Each
- pardon
- when using formal or official context of forgiveness
- excuse
- when person accepts apology and removes blame lightly
- absolve
- when formally or ceremonially declaring someone innocent or
Antonyms of Forgive
Common Collocations with Forgive
These phrases pair with “forgive” in everyday English:
- forgive someone for
- ask forgiveness
- forgive and forget
- hard to forgive
Common Mistakes When Using Forgive
Even fluent speakers slip up with “forgive”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: Please forgive me of my mistake.
- ✓ Correct: Please forgive me for my mistake.
- Why: Use 'forgive for' not 'forgive of' when specifying the wrongdoing or error.
- ✗ Wrong: She forgive his behavior.
- ✓ Correct: She forgave his behavior.
- Why: Past tense uses 'forgave' not 'forgive'; third person singular present is 'forgives'.
Words Confused With Forgive
- Forgive vs Forget: Similar pronunciation but opposite meaning: forget means lose memory; forgive means pardon/accept apology. Compare →
Other Forms of Forgive
- Noun: forgiveness
- Verb: forgive
- Adjective: forgiving
Frequently Asked Questions About Forgive
What is the meaning of "Forgive"?
To stop blaming or being angry at someone for something they did wrong.
How do you pronounce "Forgive"?
The IPA is /fərˈɡɪv/. Stress second syllable: for-GIVE. The 'i' in give sounds like short 'i' in 'sit'.
What part of speech is "Forgive"?
"Forgive" is a verb at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Forgive"?
Common synonyms include pardon, excuse, absolve.
How do you use "Forgive" in a sentence?
For example: "He apologized and asked her to forgive him."