FORGIVE

Definition of FORGIVE

FORGIVE Verb

Forgive can function both as a verb and, in rare contexts, as an adjective in its participial form. As a verb, it refers to the act of pardoning someone for a wrongdoing, releasing resentment or anger, and choosing not to seek retribution. It is an essential concept in human relationships, often promoting healing, reconciliation, and emotional release.

To Pardon or Excuse: Forgive means to pardon or excuse someone for an offense, mistake, or wrongdoing. It involves consciously deciding to release feelings of resentment, anger, or the desire for punishment. For example, “She chose to forgive him for his hurtful words, understanding that holding onto anger would only cause more pain.”

To Release Resentment or Bitterness:When one forgives, it often means letting go of negative emotions associated with being wronged, such as anger or bitterness. This emotional release can be healing for both the person forgiving and the one being forgiven. For instance, “Forgiving allowed him to move on from the past and find peace.”

To Grant Pardon for Minor Offenses: Forgive can also refer to overlooking minor offenses or mistakes, especially in everyday interactions where misunderstandings occur. This usage highlights forgiveness as a way to maintain harmony in relationships. For example, “Please forgive me for arriving late; the traffic was terrible.”

To Relinquish Claims or Debts: In financial or legal contexts, forgive can mean to cancel or relinquish a debt or obligation, often as an act of mercy or leniency. For example, “The bank decided to forgive part of the loan, helping the family recover from financial hardship.”

Spiritual and Moral Significance: Forgiveness is a core concept in many religious and spiritual traditions, often viewed as an act of grace, compassion, and moral goodness. It encourages individuals to seek reconciliation and avoid harboring negative feelings. For example, “Many religious teachings emphasize the importance of learning to forgive others as an act of love and compassion.”

Reflecting a State of Acceptance:
Being forgiven implies that the offense or mistake is no longer held against the person, often leading to a restored relationship or inner peace. For instance, “After the apology, their relationship was healed, and he felt truly forgiven.”

Forgiveness in Relationships: Forgiveness is fundamental to maintaining healthy relationships, whether between individuals, communities, or even nations. By choosing to forgive, people can move past conflicts, repair relationships, and foster mutual understanding. For example, “In long-term friendships, the ability to forgive is crucial for overcoming misunderstandings and staying connected.”

Philosophical and Psychological Benefits: In philosophical and psychological contexts, forgiveness is seen as a path to personal healing and emotional well-being. Letting go of grudges can reduce stress and improve mental health, as holding onto anger can be emotionally burdensome. For instance, “Psychologists often encourage individuals to forgive in order to free themselves from the emotional burden of resentment.”

Forgiveness in Historical and Religious Contexts: Throughout history, forgiveness has been portrayed as a virtuous and noble act, central to various moral, ethical, and religious teachings. From Christianity to Buddhism, the act of forgiving is considered a way to transcend human flaws and align with higher spiritual principles. For example, “In many cultures, the act of forgiving others is seen as a divine quality, reflecting compassion and grace.”

In conclusion, forgive is a powerful verb that refers to the act of pardoning someone for a mistake, offense, or wrongdoing, and releasing feelings of anger or resentment. Whether applied in personal relationships, spiritual teachings, or financial situations, forgiveness plays a vital role in healing, reconciliation, and emotional peace. When used in its participial form, forgiven, it describes the state of having been absolved or released from guilt, allowing for personal and relational restoration. Recognizing the various dimensions of forgive highlights its importance in promoting understanding, peace, and emotional well-being.

FORGIVE

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ELUCIDATE

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VETO

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WITNESS

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Examples of FORGIVE in a sentence

• She decided to forgive him for his mistake, valuing their friendship over the disagreement.
• It’s not easy to forgive someone who has deeply hurt you, but it’s often necessary for personal healing.
• After a long conversation, he was able to forgive her for not being honest.
• The community worked to forgive the missteps of its leaders and move forward with new plans.
• She struggled to forgive herself for the error, even though others reassured her it was a minor issue.
• To truly forgive, one must often let go of past grievances and seek a path to reconciliation.
• They were able to forgive each other after a heartfelt apology and acknowledgment of their mistakes.
• It can be challenging to forgive when the wrongdoer does not show remorse or take responsibility.

Origin of FORGIVE

The word forgive has its origins in Old English and Proto-Germanic, evolving to express the idea of pardoning or excusing an offense.

• Old English:
  • Forgiefan (to give up, pardon, excuse)
  • In Old English, forgiefan combined for- (completely) and giefan (to give), meaning to completely give up resentment or to pardon an offense.
• Proto-Germanic:
  • Forgiban (to give, to pardon)
  • The Old English forgiefan came from the Proto-Germanic forgiban, which also meant to give up something, particularly in the sense of pardoning or forgiving.
• Middle English:
  • Forgive (to pardon, excuse)
  • By Middle English, forgive had evolved to mean excusing or pardoning someone for a wrongdoing, and it retained this meaning into Modern English.

The word forgive has maintained its core meaning of pardoning or giving up resentment from its Old English and Proto-Germanic roots, continuing to describe the act of excusing someone for an offense or wrongdoing.

LIBERAL

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DETRACT

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TOWARDS

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TAGLISH

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