forgiveness
She showed forgiveness toward those who had wronged her.
She chose to pardon or excuse the mistakes of others.
The act of stopping feeling angry or resentful toward someone for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
The judge emphasized forgiveness as a path to healing for both parties.
The judge highlighted pardoning as a way to restore peace between the involved individuals.
Religious teachings often stress the importance of forgiveness.
Many faiths teach that pardoning others is a virtue.
Forgiveness does not necessarily mean condoning the offense or reconciling with the offender.
The action of excusing someone from a debt or obligation.
The bank granted forgiveness of the remaining loan balance.
The bank canceled the remaining debt owed by the borrower.
In finance, this often refers to debt relief or cancellation.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation
Forgiveness is a personal choice to release resentment; reconciliation requires mutual effort and may not always follow.
Gold Rule
Forgiveness is a Process
It often takes time and is not always immediate. It involves emotional work and may require setting boundaries.
Word Origin
From Old English 'forgiefness', derived from 'forgiefan' (to give up, remit, allow) + '-ness' (suffix forming abstract nouns). The root 'giefan' (to give) is shared with words like 'give' and 'gift'.
Usage Notes
Forgiveness is often discussed in psychological and spiritual contexts as a process that benefits the forgiver as much as the forgiven. It requires empathy and a willingness to let go of anger. In legal contexts, forgiveness may imply waiving a right or claim.