Forgive

Pronunciation

• enPR: fÉ™r-gÄ­v', fôr-gÄ­v', IPA: /fÉ™(r)ˈɡɪv/, /fɔː(r)ˈɡɪv/
• Rhymes: -ɪv

Origin

Middle English forgiven ("to forgive"), from Old English forġiefan ("to forgive, give up, provide"), corresponding to - + give. Cognate with Dutch vergeven, German vergeben.

Full definition of forgive

Verb

1. (transitive) To pardon, to waive any negative feeling or desire for punishment.Only the brave know how to forgive...A coward never forgave; it is not in his nature. -
2. (intransitive) To accord forgiveness.