forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving

I ask for your forgiveness.

Synonyms

• absolution
• amnesty
• pardon
• remission
• remittal

Examples of forgiveness in a Sentence

She treats us with kindness and forgiveness.

they asked her forgiveness for failing to invite her to the party

Recent Examples on the Web

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Federal Student Aid notes that this is the most common avenue borrowers take when applying for student loan forgiveness. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

Federal and state student loan forgiveness For now, the Education Department still offers a wide range of student loan forgiveness programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness, experts said. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025

Elisabeth begs for forgiveness; Sue is having none of it. —Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Meanwhile, borrowers are contending with an array of problems associated with other student loan forgiveness programs. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

forgiveness

noun

for·​give·​ness fər-ˈgiv-nəs 

fȯr-

: the act of forgiving : pardon