What is the root word of "unforgivable"? [closed]
The root is forgive (From Old English forgiefan : for + giefan)
Unforgivable:
1549s from un (not) + forgivable.
Forgivable:
forgive +able
(Etymonline)
OED:
Forgive (v.) Etymology: Old English forgiefan ( < for- prefix[1] + giefan : see give v.)
The sense of "for" is quite difficult to understand as it has a variety of effects upon its verb: in this case, it is probably
b. With the sense of prohibition, exclusion, or warding off, as in forbid n. Also with the sense of concealing from view: