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Webster 1913 Edition


Forgiveness

For-give′ness

,
Noun.
[AS.
forgifnes
.]
1.
The act of forgiving; the state of being forgiven;
as, the
forgiveness
of sin or of injuries
.
To the Lord our God belong mercies and
forgivenesses
.
Dan. ix. 9.
In whom we have . . . the
forgiveness
of sin.
Eph. i. 7.
2.
Disposition to pardon; willingness to forgive.
Syn. – Pardon, remission.
Forgiveness
,
Pardon
. Forgiveness is Anglo-Saxon, and pardon Norman French, both implying a giving back. The word pardon, being early used in our Bible, has, in religious matters, the same sense as forgiveness; but in the language of common life there is a difference between them, such as we often find between corresponding Anglo-Saxon and Norman words. Forgive points to inward feeling, and suppose alienated affection; when we ask forgiveness, we primarily seek the removal of anger. Pardon looks more to outward things or consequences, and is often applied to trifling matters, as when we beg pardon for interrupting a man, or for jostling him in a crowd. The civil magistrate also grants a pardon, and not forgiveness. The two words are, therefore, very clearly distinguished from each other in most cases which relate to the common concerns of life.

Webster 1828 Edition


Forgiveness

FORGIV'ENESS

,
Noun.
forgiv'ness.
1.
The act of forgiving; the pardon of an offender, by which he is considered and treated as not guilty. The forgiveness of enemies is a christian duty.
2.
The pardon or remission of an offense or crime; as the forgiveness of sin or of injuries.
3.
Disposition to pardon; willingness to forgive.
And mild forgiveness intercede to stop the coming blow.
4.
Remission of a debt, fine or penalty.

Definition 2024


forgiveness

forgiveness

English

Noun

forgiveness (usually uncountable, plural forgivenesses)

  1. The action of forgiving.
    The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. - Mahatma Gandhi
  2. Readiness to forgive.

Synonyms

Translations

References

  • forgiveness in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913