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Venial: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Venial adjective. Minor and easily forgiven.
How to say it
VEE-nee-ul/ˈviːnɪəl/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (VEE).
Venial in a sentence
Forgetting the birthday card is surely a venial sin.
In Catholic teaching a venial sin, unlike a mortal one, doesn't cut you off from grace.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- pardonable
- forgivable
- minor
- excusable
Opposite:
- unforgivable
- mortal
- grave
Usage note
Venial means forgivable; venal means corrupt. One letter, the i, makes the difference between a small fault and a bribe.
Don’t confuse with venal
venal (adjective): Willing to take bribes or act dishonestly for money.
Where venial comes from
From Latin venia, forgiveness.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
In Catholic teaching a _____ sin, unlike a mortal one, doesn't cut you off from grace.
- complaisant
- venial
- discreet
Show the answer
venial: In Catholic teaching a venial sin, unlike a mortal one, doesn't cut you off from grace.