May we count your visit with Google Analytics? It uses cookies and sends visit data to Google. You can change this any time under Cookie choices. Privacy

 Browse the A to Z list

Forgive

v. kind, resilient warm

What it means

Meaning 1

To release a claim to continued resentment after a wrong.

Reach for it when describing a personal decision to stop carrying anger, without erasing accountability

He chose to forgive only after the apology was matched by repair.

Meaning 2

To cancel a debt or obligation that could otherwise be collected.

Reach for it when describing formal relief from repayment

The fund will forgive the final installment after five years of public service.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
everyday
warm
professional
formal

Meaning 1: To release a claim to continued resentment after a wrong.

  • everyday

    excuse

    Fits when a minor lapse is accepted without blame

    Careful Excusing can minimize responsibility, which forgiveness need not do.

  • warm

    let go

    Fits when the emotional burden is being released

    Careful Letting go can happen without forgiving the person responsible.

  • warm

    reconcile with

    Fits when the relationship is being restored by both sides

    Careful Reconciliation requires renewed connection; forgiveness can be one-sided and distant.

  • formal

    pardon

    Fits when an offense is officially or explicitly excused

    Careful Pardon may remove a penalty without rebuilding personal trust.

Meaning 2: To cancel a debt or obligation that could otherwise be collected.

  • everyday

    cancel

    Fits when the obligation is removed in plain language

    Careful Cancel is broad and may refer to an event rather than a debt.

  • professional

    waive

    Fits when a fee or requirement will not be enforced

    Careful Waive fits a specified claim, not the emotional response to harm.

  • professional

    write off

    Fits when an account is removed as collectible

    Careful A write-off can be an accounting decision without releasing the debtor legally.

  • formal

    remit

    Fits when legal or financial writing needs a precise cancellation term

    Careful The word is obscure in a supportive public explanation.

Opposites 4

  • resent
  • condemn
  • collect
  • enforce

Common phrases 3

  • forgive someone

    You may forgive someone without inviting them back into your life.

  • forgive a mistake

    The client agreed to forgive a mistake that was reported promptly.

  • forgive the debt

    The cooperative will forgive the debt after the agreed service period.

Word family 1

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, California accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated