forgivingly
|for/giv/ing/ly|
B2
🇺🇸
/fərˈɡɪvɪŋli/
🇬🇧
/fəˈɡɪvɪŋli/
(forgiving)
showing leniency
Etymology
Etymology Information
'forgivingly' originates from the Old English word 'forgiefan,' where 'for-' meant 'completely' and 'giefan' meant 'to give.'
Historical Evolution
'forgiefan' transformed into the Middle English word 'forgiven,' and eventually became the modern English word 'forgive.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to give completely,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to pardon or excuse.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that shows forgiveness or leniency.
She smiled forgivingly at her friend after the misunderstanding.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45