'forgiveness' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'forgiefnes,' where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'giefnes' meant 'to give.'

'forgiefnes' changed from Old English word 'forgiefnes' and eventually became the modern English word 'forgiveness'.

Initially, it meant 'to give up resentment or claim to requital,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the act of forgiving.'