forgive

English

/fə(ɹ)ˈɡɪv/, /fɚˈɡɪv/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) To pardon; to waive any negative feeling or desire for punishment, retribution, or compensation.
  • (intransitive) To accord forgiveness.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English foryiven inherited from Old English forġiefan (forgive, give up, provide, bestow) inherited from Proto-Germanic *fragebaną (forgive, give, give up, release, grant, give away) affix from English give.

Origin

English

give

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

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Cognates and derived terms