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Sins Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sins

[sɪnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious beliefs

Immoral acts or transgressions that violate religious or moral principles.

Synonyms

offense, transgression, wrongdoing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sins

Used primarily in a religious context to describe acts that go against divine commandments. Often carries a deeply moral or spiritual weight.

  • He sought forgiveness for his sins at the church.
  • Lying is considered one of the major sins in many religions.
wrongdoing

A general term that can be applied to any immoral or illegal actions. Often used in formal or legal contexts to discuss behavior that is unethical or unjust.

  • He was accused of various wrongdoings during his time in office.
  • The committee is investigating the alleged wrongdoings of the organization.
transgression

Used to describe violations of rules, duties, or laws, often with a formal or literary tone. It implies deliberate actions that go against set boundaries or codes of conduct.

  • Her transgression of the company's policy resulted in her termination.
  • In the novel, the character's transgressions highlight the flaws in societal norms.
offense

Commonly used in both legal and everyday situations to describe actions that violate laws or social norms. Can vary in severity from mild to serious.

  • His comments were an offense to everyone in the room.
  • Stealing is a criminal offense and can lead to imprisonment.

Examples of usage

  • The priest talked about the seven deadly sins during his sermon.
  • Confessing one's sins is an important practice in many religions.
Context #2 | Noun

legal system

Offenses against the law; breaking the rules or regulations of a legal system.

Synonyms

crimes, illegal acts, violations.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sins

Used in a religious or moral context to describe acts that go against divine or moral laws.

  • Confessing one's sins is a key part of many religious practices
  • Adultery was considered a sin in their community
crimes

Used in a legal context to describe acts that break the laws established by a government or society.

  • Stealing a car is a serious crime
  • The police are investigating a series of crimes in the neighborhood
violations

Used to describe breaches of rules, laws, or agreements, often less severe than crimes.

  • Parking violations can result in fines
  • The company was penalized for environmental violations
illegal acts

Used to describe actions that are against the law without necessarily implying moral judgment.

  • Smuggling goods across the border are classified as illegal acts
  • The company was fined for engaging in illegal acts like tax evasion

Examples of usage

  • He was charged with various sins, including theft and fraud.
  • Committing sins can lead to legal consequences.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'sin' comes from the Old English 'synn,' which has roots in Germanic languages meaning 'to miss' or 'to err.'
  • In ancient cultures, sins were often linked to breaking societal or religious laws, leading to consequences from the community.
  • Many early societies had a list of sins that were deemed unacceptable, often reflecting their values and morals.

Religious Contexts

  • Most world religions have concepts of sin, which often include actions that go against divine laws or moral codes.
  • In Christianity, sin is classified into two main types: venial (small) and mortal (serious), affecting one's relationship with God.
  • Buddhism views 'wrong actions' as causes of suffering, with the potential for redemption through good deeds and intentions.

Psychology

  • In psychology, feelings of guilt associated with sin can lead to stress and anxiety, impacting mental health.
  • Understanding the concept of sin can help individuals address personal accountability and moral development.
  • Many people engage in self-reflection regarding their 'sins,' which can promote personal growth and better decision-making.

Literature

  • Works like Dante's 'Inferno' explore the consequences of sins, depicting a vivid journey through various levels of punishment.
  • Shakespeare's characters often grapple with their moral failings, showing how sins impact relationships and society.
  • Contemporary literature sometimes addresses 'sins' through metaphors, exploring themes of redemption and moral conflicts.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, the perception of what constitutes a 'sin' can differ greatly, reflecting local customs and values.
  • Many folk tales and myths contain lessons about avoiding sins, teaching morality through storytelling.
  • Modern discussions about 'sins' also encompass topics like environmental ethics, where neglecting responsibility towards the planet can be viewed as a societal sin.

Origin of 'sins'

The word 'sins' originated from Old English 'synn', meaning 'moral wrongdoing, injury, mischief, enmity, feud, guilt'. The concept of sin has been a central theme in many religious and moral traditions, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and moral responsibility. Throughout history, the notion of sin has played a significant role in shaping societal norms and values.

See also: sin, sinful, sinfulness, sinner.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,880, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.