forgiving

adjective

for·​giv·​ing fər-ˈgi-viŋ 

fȯr-

1

: willing or able to forgive

2

: allowing room for error or weakness

designed to be a forgiving tennis racquet

forgivingly adverb

forgivingness noun

Examples of forgiving in a Sentence

a person with a forgiving nature

Recent Examples on the Web

While flower beds and shrubs can be a bit more forgiving, container gardening takes a little more attention. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 20 July 2024

Other people were more forgiving, with some criticizing the negativity coming Andress’ way and excusing her rough performance. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024

The small fit was a little shorter and tighter; the medium is more forgiving. —Amanda Randone, refinery29.com, 16 Jan. 2024

Roberts won’t be so forgiving if this happens in October. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

forgiving

adjective

for·​giv·​ing

fər-ˈgiv-iŋ,

fȯr-

1

: showing forgiveness : inclined or ready to forgive

a person with a forgiving nature

2

: allowing for human error or weakness

a tennis racket designed to be forgiving

forgivingly adverb

forgivingness noun