Forgiveness

/fərˈɡɪv.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The action or process of forgiving or being forgiven.

Her forgiveness of his mistakes was a sign of her strength.

The capacity to let go of resentment or anger towards someone for an offense or mistake.

He found it difficult to offer forgiveness after being betrayed.

A conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you.

Forgiveness is essential for healing and moving on from the past.

Middle English from Old English forgyfan, meaning to give, grant.

forgive and forget

An expression meaning to pardon someone and not hold any resentment towards them.

forgive one's enemies

An expression emphasizing the importance of forgiving even those who have wronged you.

pardon

The action of forgiving or being forgiven.

mercy

Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

reconciliation

The restoration of friendly relations.

Let it slide

She decided to let it slide and forgive him.

To give a free pass

He gave her a free pass for her mistake.