How to pronounce forgiveness
Say it like fer-GHIV-nus. Forgiveness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GHIV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce forgiveness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- fer
- GHIV
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Forgiveness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ferKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- GHIVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of forgiveness
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: fuh-GHIV-nis.
What does forgiveness mean?
- compassionate feelings that support a willingness to forgive
- the act of excusing a mistake or offense
Where does forgiveness come from?
From Middle English forgiveness, forgifnes, from Old English forġiefnes.
Questions about saying forgiveness
How do you pronounce forgiveness?
Say fer-GHIV-nus. The American pronunciation is /fɚˈɡɪvnəs/. In British English it is /fəˈɡɪvnɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in forgiveness?
Forgiveness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GHIV). Broken into parts: fer · GHIV · nus.
Is forgiveness pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /fəˈɡɪvnɪs/ (fuh-GHIV-nis).