forgiving etymology

Etymology

The word "forgiving" comes from the Old English word "forgifan," which is a combination of two words:

  • "for-" (meaning "completely" or "thoroughly")
  • "-gifan" (meaning "to give")

Meaning

To forgive means to absolve someone of guilt or blame for a wrongdoing, to stop feeling angry or resentful towards them, and to release them from any obligation to make amends.

Origin

The concept of forgiveness has been around for centuries, but the word "forgiving" itself is relatively new. It first appeared in English in the late 14th century.

Forgiveness is an important aspect of many religions. In Christianity, for example, forgiveness is seen as a way of imitating Jesus Christ, who forgave those who wronged him. Forgiveness is also seen as a way to achieve peace and healing.

forgiving relate terms

  • forgive

    Etymology The word forgive originates from the Old English word forgifan which mean

  • pardon

    Etymology The word pardon comes from the Old French word pardonner which itself come

  • forgiving

    Etymology The word forgiving comes from the Old English word forgifan which is a com

  • condone

    Etymology The word condone comes from the Latin phrase con donare which means to g

  • remit

    Etymology The word remit originates from the Latin verb remittere which means to se

  • merit

    Etymology Middle English merite from Old French merite from Latin meritum neuter pa

  • mitre

    Etymology The word mitre comes from the Middle French word mitre which in turn is d

  • yield

    Etymology Old English ġieldan meaning to pay render submit surrender Meaning

  • excuse

    Etymology Excuse originates from the Old French word escusser meaning to shake off

  • pardon

    Etymology The word pardon comes from the Old French word pardonner which itself come

  • shiver

    Etymology Old English sciferian meaning to tremble shake Proto Germanic skifranan I

  • shrive

    Etymology The word shrive comes from an Old English word scrīfan which means to c

  • justify

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their historical development