English · Emotions & Feelings
forgiving
/fəˈɡɪv.ɪŋ/
[/fəˈɡɪv.ɪŋ/]
willing to pardon
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Ready to stop feeling angry toward someone who has hurt or wronged you.
Example
Her forgiving nature meant she rarely held a grudge, even after being treated quite badly.
Her forgiving nature meant she rarely held a grudge, even after being treated quite badly.
Etymology
From the verb 'forgive', from Old English 'forgiefan' (to give up, grant), plus the '-ing' suffix.
How & Where It’s Used
Describes both people's characters and, figuratively, materials or conditions that tolerate mistakes.