forgive

Syllables:
for·gi·ve
3 syllables
forgive in syllables

About "forgive"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "forgive" into Syllables

The word forgive is divided into 3 syllables: for·gi·ve. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • for — 1st syllable
  • gi — 2nd syllable
  • ve — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of forgive:

  • IPA: /fə(ɹ)ˈɡɪv/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. forgive (third-person singular simple present forgives, present participle forgiving, simple past forgave, past participle forgiven)
  2. a. 1768, Laurence Sterne, Joseph's History considered; - Forgiveness of Injuries (sermon)

📚 Word Origin & History

Alteration (due to give) of Middle English foryiven, forȝiven, from Old English forġiefan (“to forgive, to give”), from Proto-West Germanic *frageban, from Proto-Germanic *fragebaną (“to give away; give up; release; forgive”), equivalent to for- +‎ give (etymologically for- + yive). Cognate with Scots forgeve, forgif, forgie (“to forgive”), West Frisian ferjaan (“to forgive”), Dutch vergeven (“to forgive”), German vergeben (“to forgive”), Icelandic fyrirgefa (“to f...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down forgive into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare forgive with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
forgive 3 for·gi·ve
forgave 3 for-ga-ve
Frisbee 2 fris-bee
firesafe 4 fi-re-sa-fe

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to forgive:

for, fora, ford, fore, fork, form, fort, foray.

Frequently Asked Questions About "forgive"

How many syllables does "forgive" have?

forgive has 3 syllables: for·gi·ve. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "forgive"?

The stress is on the first syllable: for. This means you emphasize the "for" part when pronouncing forgive.

How do you pronounce "forgive"?

forgive is pronounced as /fə(ɹ)ˈɡɪv/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: for·gi·ve.

Is "forgive" easy to spell?

Breaking forgive into syllables helps with spelling: for·gi·ve. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "forgive" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.