forgiveness
UK[fəˈɡɪv.nəs]US[fərˈɡɪv.nəs]
n
the action or process of ceasing to feel angry or resentful towards someone for an offence, flaw, or mistake.
n
willingness to forgive.
Morpheme Breakdown
for
give
ness
for
completely
give
grant
ness
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'forgiveness' is a native english formation, built from old english components. the core verb 'give' originates from proto-germanic geban, carrying the sense of 'to bestow'. the intensive prefix 'for-' was added to create the old english verb 'forgiefan', which meant 'to give up' or 'to grant completely', evolving specifically to mean 'to remit a debt or offence'. the abstract noun suffix '-ness' was then attached to this verb to form 'forgifnes', denoting the state or quality of having granted pardon. the semantic journey is from the concrete act of giving something away to the metaphorical act of relinquishing resentment, culminating in the abstract concept of a merciful state.
Analysis
Structure: for (completely) + give (grant) + ness (state or quality)
for: from old english prefix 'for-', meaning 'completely' or 'away'. it functions as an intensifier in this compound.
give: from old english 'giefan', meaning 'to grant' or 'to bestow'. it functions as the core verbal root.
ness: from old english '-nes', a suffix forming abstract nouns expressing state or quality.
Examples
she asked for his forgiveness after her harsh words.
true forgiveness can be a long and difficult process.
the story explores themes of redemption and forgiveness.