Venial

/ˈviːniəl/
adjective

Not seriously wrong, as a sin (an action that is against religious rules).

In the eyes of the church, lying about your age can be considered a venial sin.
Visual representation of "venial" - Not seriously wrong, as a sin (an action that is against religious rules)

Often appears as...

  • venial sin
  • venial offence

Usage tips

Formal

Religious

adjective

In a non-religious context, it means minor and pardonable.

Being late to the meeting was a venial mistake, not a major problem.
Visual representation of "venial" - In a non-religious context, it means minor and pardonable

Often appears as...

  • venial mistake
  • venial fault

Usage tips

Formal

adjective

Not seriously wrong, as a sin (an action that is against religious rules).

In the eyes of the church, lying about your age can be considered a venial sin.
Visual representation of "venial" - Not seriously wrong, as a sin (an action that is against religious rules)

Often appears as...

  • venial sin
  • venial offence

Usage tips

Formal

Religious

adjective

In a non-religious context, it means minor and pardonable.

Being late to the meeting was a venial mistake, not a major problem.
Visual representation of "venial" - In a non-religious context, it means minor and pardonable

Often appears as...

  • venial mistake
  • venial fault

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "venial"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Religious Nuance

Used to express the idea of being easily pardonable within religious practices or discussions.

Illustration for Religious Nuance
He considered his small lie a venial sin, believing it would not tarnish his soul.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Moral Judgements

Denotes actions subject to moral evaluation without implying deep moral failure.

Illustration for Moral Judgements
His venial actions at the party were frowned upon but ultimately dismissed.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Just Religion

While common in religious contexts, used in discussions about ethics too.

Illustration for Not Just Religion
The committee viewed the oversight as venial, not worthy of punishment.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Religious Nuance

Used to express the idea of being easily pardonable within religious practices or discussions.

Illustration for Religious Nuance
He considered his small lie a venial sin, believing it would not tarnish his soul.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Moral Judgements

Denotes actions subject to moral evaluation without implying deep moral failure.

Illustration for Moral Judgements
His venial actions at the party were frowned upon but ultimately dismissed.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Just Religion

While common in religious contexts, used in discussions about ethics too.

Illustration for Not Just Religion
The committee viewed the oversight as venial, not worthy of punishment.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Religious Nuance

Used to express the idea of being easily pardonable within religious practices or discussions.

Illustration for Religious Nuance
He considered his small lie a venial sin, believing it would not tarnish his soul.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Moral Judgements

Denotes actions subject to moral evaluation without implying deep moral failure.

Illustration for Moral Judgements
His venial actions at the party were frowned upon but ultimately dismissed.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Just Religion

While common in religious contexts, used in discussions about ethics too.

Illustration for Not Just Religion
The committee viewed the oversight as venial, not worthy of punishment.
Visual representation of the word "Venial"

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Quote examples

Saint Basil

Greek Saint

Strive to attain to the greater virtues, but do not neglect the lesser ones. Do not make light of a fall even if it be the most venial of faults; rather, be quick to repair it by repentance, although many others may commit a large number of faults, slight and grievous, and remain unrepentant.
Portrait of Saint Basil

Quote examples

Johannes Tauler

German Theologian

Such sins, even if they do not kill all grace in us, do harm, nevertheless; and though they are only venial in themselves, they make us apt, ready, and inclined to lose grace and to fall into mortal sin.
Portrait of Johannes Tauler

Quote examples

Tim Donaghy

American Criminal

I knew it was wrong, but I thought gambling was a venial sin. That's why I didn't confess it to a priest until after I was caught.
Portrait of Tim Donaghy

Quote examples

Saint Basil

Greek Saint

Strive to attain to the greater virtues, but do not neglect the lesser ones. Do not make light of a fall even if it be the most venial of faults; rather, be quick to repair it by repentance, although many others may commit a large number of faults, slight and grievous, and remain unrepentant.
Portrait of Saint Basil

Quote examples

Johannes Tauler

German Theologian

Such sins, even if they do not kill all grace in us, do harm, nevertheless; and though they are only venial in themselves, they make us apt, ready, and inclined to lose grace and to fall into mortal sin.
Portrait of Johannes Tauler

Quote examples

Tim Donaghy

American Criminal

I knew it was wrong, but I thought gambling was a venial sin. That's why I didn't confess it to a priest until after I was caught.
Portrait of Tim Donaghy
Example 1 of 3
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