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Venial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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venial

[ˈviː.ni.əl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

moral offense

Venial refers to a type of sin that is considered minor and does not result in a loss of grace. Unlike mortal sins, venial sins are forgivable and do not lead to eternal damnation.

Synonyms

forgivable, minor, trivial.

Examples of usage

  • He committed a venial sin by lying about his whereabouts.
  • The priest explained that anger was a venial fault in certain instances.
  • She believed that forgetting a friend's birthday was merely a venial mistake.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • In Christianity, particularly Catholicism, venial sins are considered less serious than mortal sins, which can lead to complete separation from God.
  • Venial sins can be forgiven through confession and acts of penance, highlighting the difference in their severity.

Psychology

  • The concept of venial mistakes can be linked to cognitive behavioral theory, where minor errors are often forgiven as part of human nature.
  • Understanding veniality can help with self-compassion, allowing individuals to accept and learn from their less serious mistakes.

Literature

  • Venial acts and sins often appear in literary works exploring moral dilemmas, showcasing the complexity of human behavior.
  • Writers like Shakespeare used venial references to address the nuances of human morality and the consequences of small wrongdoings.

Pop Culture

  • In many films, characters commit venial mistakes that lead to comedic situations rather than tragic outcomes.
  • The idea of 'venial' often features in discussions about morality in video games, where players face choices that lead to minor consequences.

Origin of 'venial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'venialis', meaning 'forgivable', combining 'venia' for 'forgiveness'.
  • Historically, it was used to describe offenses that were pardonable, particularly in religious contexts.

The word 'venial' originates from the Latin term 'venialis,' which means 'pardonable' or 'forgivable.' This Latin term is derived from 'venia,' meaning 'grace' or 'forgiveness.' The use of 'venial' in English dates back to the early 15th century, primarily in religious contexts, referring to sins that could be absolved through repentance or penance. Over time, its usage expanded beyond theological discussions to describe any minor fault or offense that could be easily forgiven. The term remains closely related to concepts of morality and ethics, often contrasting with 'mortal sins,' which are viewed as severe violations of divine law. As language evolved, 'venial' maintained its association with kindness and the notion of understanding human shortcomings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,357, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.