Words / A2

f-uh-GIV/fəˈɡɪv/

Forgive means stop being angry with someone: forgive me, forgive someone for being late, hard to forgive. Sorry is what the other person says; forgive is what you do. Excuse me is for small interruptions, not deep hurt. Forgiveness is the noun. Past: forgave; participle: forgiven.

Meaning

To stop being angry with someone who has done something wrong.

Examples

• “Please forgive me for being late.”
• “Please forgive me for missing your call.”
• “She forgave her classmate after the argument.”

Good to know

forgive someone for + -ing. Past: forgave. Noun: forgiveness. Contrast: Excuse me (small interruption).

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