Forgiveness
/fərˈɡɪvnəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of pardoning someone for a mistake or wrongdoing; the state of being forgiven.
/fərˈɡɪvnəs/
The act of forgiving or being forgiven; pardon.
She showed great forgiveness to her friend who had hurt her feelings.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend accidentally broke your favorite toy. Forgiveness is like deciding that you're not mad anymore and letting it go. It's like saying 'It's okay!'
👶 For kids: When you forgive someone, it means you're not mad at them anymore for doing something wrong.
More Examples
The act of forgiveness brought a sense of peace to the situation.
Seeking forgiveness is often the first step towards healing after a conflict.
How It's Used
"Seeking forgiveness for sins is a central tenet in many religions."
"Offering forgiveness can mend relationships and ease emotional burdens."
"The governor granted forgiveness to the convicted criminal."
The state or condition of being forgiven.
/fərˈɡɪvnəs/
The state of being forgiven.
She sought forgiveness for her mistake.
💡 Simply: Imagine you messed up and then you get a clean slate. Getting forgiveness is feeling like the slate's wiped clean.
👶 For kids: When someone forgives you, you're not in trouble anymore. It's like you get a clean slate.
More Examples
He granted them forgiveness, a kind gesture during a hard time.
The judge emphasized the importance of forgiveness within the legal context.
How It's Used
"Finding forgiveness can ease one's burden of sin."
"He found forgiveness in the love of his family."
Idioms & expressions
ask for forgiveness
To request pardon for something done wrong.
"He needed to ask for forgiveness for the accident."
a request for forgiveness
An action of asking someone to be pardoned.
"The letter was a formal request for forgiveness."
From Middle English *forȝevenesse, forgive[n]esse, from Old English *forġiefnes (noun) and the verb forgiefan (to forgive). The word's origins are deeply tied to religious and legal contexts.
The concept of forgiveness has been central to religious and moral thought throughout history, with early examples in ancient religious texts and legal codes.
Memory tip
Think of 'giving' something up to someone or from the past -- to forgive is to GIVE FOR the past.