forgiven

Forgiven is the past participle of forgive and functions as both a verb form in English and an adjective meaning pardoned. It appears in passive constructions such as “The offense was forgiven” and in adjectival use to describe someone who has received forgiveness.

In religious contexts, forgiveness is a central and highly varied concept. In Christianity, forgiveness is often linked to repentance, confession, and reconciliation with God, and may be described as a divine gift. In Islam, forgiveness from God is sought through sincere repentance and righteous conduct, with emphasis on mercy and accountability. Other traditions address forgiveness as a moral or communal process that can heal relationships, restore trust, and promote social harmony.

Beyond religion, forgiveness is studied in psychology and ethics. Psychological perspectives treat forgiveness as a personal coping mechanism that can reduce anger and resentment, potentially improving well-being. They distinguish forgiveness from condoning or forgetting harm, and from excusing wrongdoing; forgiveness can be a deliberate choice, a gradual process, or a change in emotional response that preserves personal boundaries and accountability.

In culture, the word “forgiven” is used as a title or theme in literature, music, and film, often signaling mercy, redemption, or the moral consequences of actions. The term is also common in everyday language as a statement of pardoning someone or seeking pardon for one’s own offenses.