venial
Americanadjective
-
able to be forgiven or pardoned; not seriously wrong, as a sin (opposed to mortal).
-
excusable; trifling; minor.
a venial error; a venial offense.
- Synonyms:
- forgivable, pardonable, slight
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of venial
1250–1300; Middle English < Medieval Latin veniālis, equivalent to Latin veni ( a ) grace, favor, indulgence (akin to venus; see venerate, Venus) + -ālis -al 1
Explanation
Some crimes are unforgivable. Others are venial — venial crimes and sins are excusable. They're not a big deal. In school, there are so many things that are against the rules: talking during class, tossing spitballs, pulling the fire alarm, stealing a basketball, etc. Something venial would be something against the rules but forgivable. For example, if you were late for school because your parents were in the hospital, that lateness is venial. If you burned the gym down, that could never be considered venial. When you see venial, think "forgivable," "excusable," and "no biggie."
Vocabulary lists containing venial
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Venial sins were small sins, like saying bad words or not going to the Stations of the Cross during Lent.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
Venial sin does not destroy the state of grace and consequently cannot augment or diminish grace.
From Grace, Actual and Habitual A Dogmatic Treatise by Preuss, Arthur
Venial sins were transgressions which any sincere believer might commit, whilst mortal sins were such as were considered incompatible with the genuine profession of Christianity.
From The Ancient Church Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution by Killen, W. D. (William Dool)
Venial sins sat lightly on the conscience of John Massingbird.
From Verner's Pride by Wood, Henry, Mrs.
Venial sins taken in the first way do not in any way hinder the effect of this sacrament.
From Summa Theologica, Part III (Tertia Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
