- 1willing to forgive She had not inherited her mother's forgiving nature. forgiving of something The public was more forgiving of the president's difficulties than the press and fellow politicians.
- 2forgiving (of something) (of a method, tool, or material) that works well, even when you do not follow it perfectly or treat it very well These flooring planks are more durable and forgiving of heavy traffic than real wood.
Check pronunciation: forgiving