Sinner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sinner
[ˈsɪnər ]
Definitions
religious
A person who transgresses against divine law by committing sin.
Synonyms
evildoer, transgressor, wrongdoer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sinner |
Often used in religious or moral contexts to describe a person who has committed sins according to a particular faith.
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| wrongdoer |
A general term for someone who has committed a wrongful act, often used in both formal and informal settings.
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| transgressor |
Typically used in legal or ethical discussions to describe someone who violates rules, laws, or boundaries.
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| evildoer |
Used to describe someone who actively does evil actions and is intentionally harmful. It has a strong negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He confessed his sins to the priest.
- She was afraid of being judged as a sinner.
informal
A person who behaves badly or breaks the rules.
Synonyms
delinquent, miscreant, troublemaker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sinner |
This term is commonly used in religious contexts to describe someone who has committed a moral or religious offense.
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| troublemaker |
Refers to someone who frequently causes problems, conflicts, or disruptions. This term is generally informal and often used in everyday speech.
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| delinquent |
Usually refers to a young person who regularly performs illegal or unacceptable activities, often used in legal or social contexts.
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| miscreant |
Often used in a literary or formal setting to describe someone who behaves badly or breaks the law. It can have a somewhat archaic or theatrical tone.
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Examples of usage
- He's always been a bit of a sinner, causing trouble wherever he goes.
- The rebellious teenager was seen as a sinner by the local community.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religious Context
- Many religions, including Christianity and Islam, discuss the concept of sin and sinners, often linking it to moral laws given by a divine authority.
- In Christianity, the notion of original sin suggests that all humans inherit this aspect from the first humans, Adam and Eve.
Literature
- Sinners are often portrayed as complex characters in literature, showcasing the struggle between good and evil.
- Famous works, like Dante's 'Inferno,' explore the consequences of sin, detailing the different levels of hell for various wrongdoers.
Psychology
- The feeling of guilt associated with being a sinner can have psychological impacts, affecting self-esteem and behavior.
- Studies show that people often rationalize their actions, leading to inner conflict when they do something deemed sinful.
Pop Culture
- The term has been used in various songs and movies, often to highlight themes of redemption, guilt, and moral conflict.
- Television series often depict characters as 'sinners' in a metaphorical sense, exploring their flaws and growth.
Origin of 'sinner'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'synn', which means a crime or transgression.
- Across languages, similar words exist; for example, the Latin 'peccator' means a wrongdoer, linking many cultures to the concept of wrongdoing.
The word 'sinner' dates back to Old English, where it originally meant 'one who sins'. It has been used in religious contexts to describe those who violate moral or divine laws. Over time, the term has also been applied informally to individuals who exhibit bad behavior or break societal rules.
See also: sin, sinful, sinfulness, sins.