The main difference between sorry and forgive is that the word sorry can indicate both regret and sympathy, whereas the word forgive generally indicates regret and repentance.
Sorry and forgive are two words we use to express regret over things. Although they have similar meanings, we cannot always use these words interchangeably. For example, at a funeral, we say, ‘I’m sorry for your loss,’ but not ‘forgive me for your loss.’ This is because forgive me is an expression we use to indicate remorse and regret for something we have done; we don’t use it to commiserate with others.
Key Areas Covered
1. What Does Sorry Mean
– Definition, Meaning, Examples
2. What Does Forgive Mean
– Definition, Meaning, Examples
3. Difference Between Sorry and Forgive
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Sorry, Forgive, Forgive Me, Apology
What Does Sorry Mean
Sorry is a word we use to express a feeling of regret/penitence or to express sympathy for someone else’s misfortune. When we make a mistake, we usually say sorry to indicate to accept that mistake and apologize for it. Similarly, when our actions hurt someone, we use the word sorry to indicate remorse. Here are some examples of how we use the word sorry to indicate regret and remorse.
I’m sorry for hurting you.
Sorry. I didn’t see you there.
I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.
Sorry, we are only open on weekdays.
Sorry I took so long to reply.
We also use the word sorry to express compassion or sadness towards someone else. But, here, the other is not suffering because of something you did. You say sorry as a way to express your sympathy. For example, at a funeral, we say ‘sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to your niece.
We are sorry for your loss. Please let us know how we can help you.
I’m sorry to see them go home.
He said he was sorry about what happened.
What Does Forgive Mean
Forgive is a verb that means to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense or mistake. We also use this word to indicate regret and remorse for something we have done. For example, asking someone to forgive. This is where the expression ‘forgive me’ is used, i.e., when the fault is in our hands.
Please forgive me.
Forgive me for all the things I’ve done.
I hope you can forgive me one day.
However, the expression ‘forgive me’ is not very common in everyday use because it’s a bit formal. Most of us use the expression ‘sorry’ to apologize for our faults or mistakes.
Difference Between Sorry and Forgive
Definition
Sorry is a word we use to express a feeling of regret/penitence, or to express sympathy with someone else’s misfortune, whereas forgive is a word we use to indicate regret and remorse for something we have done or to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offense or mistake.
Sympathy
The word sorry can indicate both regret and sympathy, whereas the word forgive generally indicates regret and repentance. When commiserating with someone’s misfortune, we use the word sorry, not forgive.
Occasion
When both are used to indicate regret, sorry is a more casual or informal expression, while forgive me is a more formal expression.
Conclusion
The main difference between sorry and forgive is that the word sorry can indicate both regret and sympathy, whereas the word forgive generally indicates regret and repentance. Therefore, when commiserating with someone’s misfortune, we use the word sorry, not forgive.
Reference:
1. “Sorry.” Vocabulary.com
Image Courtesy:
1. “Blue and White Sorry We’re Closed Wooden Signage” by Tim Mossholder (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Asking For Forgiveness” By Vic (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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