Forgive

v.kind, resilientwarm

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.

everyday
excuse
a minor lapse is accepted without blame
not when Excusing can minimize responsibility, which forgiveness need not do.
warm
let go
the emotional burden is being released
not when Letting go can happen without forgiving the person responsible.
warm
reconcile with
the relationship is being restored by both sides
not when Reconciliation requires renewed connection; forgiveness can be one-sided and distant.
formal
pardon
an offense is officially or explicitly excused
not when Pardon may remove a penalty without rebuilding personal trust.

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.

everyday
cancel
the obligation is removed in plain language
not when Cancel is broad and may refer to an event rather than a debt.
professional
waive
a fee or requirement will not be enforced
not when Waive fits a specified claim, not the emotional response to harm.
professional
write off
an account is removed as collectible
not when A write-off can be an accounting decision without releasing the debtor legally.
formal
remit
legal or financial writing needs a precise cancellation term
not when The word is obscure in a supportive public explanation.

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.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.