forgiveness Definition
- 1the act of pardoning or excusing a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing
- 2the process of letting go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and vengeance towards someone who has wronged you
Using forgiveness: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "forgiveness" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She asked for his forgiveness after realizing her mistake.
Example
Forgiveness is an important aspect of many religions.
Example
He struggled with forgiveness after being betrayed by his friend.
Example
Forgiveness can be difficult but it is necessary for personal growth.
forgiveness Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for forgiveness
Antonyms for forgiveness
- retaliation
- vindictiveness
- revenge
Idioms Using forgiveness
it is natural for people to make mistakes, but it is noble and godlike to forgive them
Example
Even though he was hurt by her actions, he remembered the saying 'to err is human, to forgive divine' and chose to forgive her.
to completely forgive someone and not hold any grudges or negative feelings towards them
Example
She decided to forgive and forget after her friend apologized for their argument.
used as a polite way of asking someone to excuse or pardon you for something you have done wrong
Example
He said 'forgive me' after accidentally bumping into someone on the street.
Phrases with forgiveness
to apologize for something and request that the person wronged pardon you
Example
He asked for forgiveness after breaking her favorite vase.
to plead for mercy or pardon for a mistake or wrongdoing
Example
She begged for forgiveness after lying to her parents.
to give pardon or absolution to someone who has wronged you
Example
He decided to grant forgiveness to his ex-girlfriend for cheating on him.
Origins of forgiveness
from Old English 'forgiefan', meaning 'to give, grant, allow; remit (a debt), pardon (an offense)'
Summary: forgiveness in Brief
The term 'forgiveness' [fərˈɡɪvnəs] refers to the act of pardoning or excusing a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing. It also encompasses the process of letting go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and vengeance towards someone who has wronged you. Phrases like 'ask for forgiveness' and 'grant forgiveness' are common, as well as idioms like 'to err is human, to forgive divine,' which emphasizes the nobility of forgiveness.
