different between generous vs forgiving

English

Etymology

From Middle French genereux, and its source, Latin gener?sus (“of noble birth”), from genus (“race, stock”).

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?d??n(?)??s/

Adjective

generous (comparative more generous, superlative most generous)

1. Noble in behaviour or actions; principled, not petty; kind, magnanimous. [from 16th c.]

   Thank you for your generous words.

2. Willing to give and share unsparingly; showing a readiness to give more (especially money) than is expected or needed. [from 17th c.]

   She's been extremely generous with her winnings.

3. Large, more than ample, copious. [from 17th c.]

   Add a generous helping of mayonnaise.

4. Invigorating in its nature.

   a generous wine

5. (obsolete) Of noble birth. [16th-19th c.]

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:generous

Related terms

• generosity

Translations

English

Adjective

forgiving (comparative more forgiving, superlative most forgiving)

1. Inclined to forgive.

   I am inclined to take a forgiving attitude, since this is his first offence.

2. (computing) User-friendly, such that harmful mistakes are not easily made.
   • 2010, Roger S. Pressman, Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach (page 336)

     A good WebApp interface is understandable and forgiving, providing the user with a sense of control. […] Work is carefully and continuously saved, with full option for the user to undo any activity at any time.

Translations

Verb

forgiving

1. present participle of forgive

Noun

forgiving (plural forgivings)

1. An act of forgiveness.