noun

forgiveness

forgiveness

She asked for his forgiveness.

She asked for his forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a difficult thing.

Forgiveness is a difficult thing.

((for sth.)) forgiveness for a wrongdoing She asked for forgiveness for her actions.

Synonyms: pardon, mercy, absolution; Antonyms: blame, resentment, vengeance

From Old English 'forgifnes'. 'for-' (completely) + 'give' + '-ness' (state of being). The idea is to 'give away' the desire for revenge.

Think of it as 'for giving' someone a second chance.

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