for·give·ness noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English foryevenesse, foryivenesse, forgevenesse, forgivenesse, from Old English forgifnes, forgifenes, from forgifen (past participle of forgiefan forgifan) + -nes -ness 1.: an act of forgiving or state of being forgiven; often: remission < the forgiveness of the tax liability … should not result in such a serious disturbance to the revenues — Journal of Accountancy > 2.archaic: disposition to pardon : willingness to forgive