ENGLISH
REFERENCE

forgiveness

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //fɝˈɡɪvnəs// UK //fəɡˈɪvnəs// for·give·ness

n. the act of stopping being angry at someone who did something wrong to you. It means you decide to let go of bad feelings and move on.

n. the intentional process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offence, letting go of negative emotions such as resentment. Often involves the relinquishment of a perceived right to retaliation.


SIMPLE

She asked for his forgiveness after the argument.

CONTEXTUAL

True forgiveness often takes time and effort, especially when the person who hurt you does not apologize.

COMPLEX

The policy of national reconciliation was built on the principle of collective forgiveness, aiming to heal the deep social divisions left by decades of civil conflict.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English forgiveness, forgifnes, from Old English forġiefnes, equivalent to forgive + -ness. Cognate with Dutch vergiffenis.

Usage

Typically uncountable in its abstract sense; occasionally used with 'for' to specify the offence.

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