'forgive' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forgiefan', where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'giefan' meant 'to give'.

'forgiefan' transformed into the Middle English word 'forgeven', and eventually became the modern English word 'forgive'.

Initially, it meant 'to give completely', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to pardon or excuse'.