venial sin

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. a transgression against the law of God that does not deprive the soul of divine grace either because it is a minor offense or because it was committed without full understanding of its seriousness or without full consent of the will.

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venial sin British  

noun

1. Christianity a sin regarded as involving only a partial loss of grace Compare mortal sin

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Etymology

Origin of venial sin

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

The enormity of Catherine’s cancer diagnosis, and her plea for “time, space and privacy,” have eclipsed the venial sins of Kate-Gate.

From Los Angeles Times

Besides the many venial sins uncovered by the authors, a graver set of dubious practices emerges.

From Washington Post

In baseball, bunting to break up a perfect game is a mortal and not a venial sin.

From Washington Post

Father Byrnes went on to discuss the difference between mortal and venial sins.

From Literature

My reservations have little to do with standard criticisms like awkward performances or clunky production values — venial sins, surely, for new filmmakers trying to find their way.

From Los Angeles Times