venial sin, venial fault, venial offense

Formal and Informal Expressions of venial

In different contexts, you can replace 'venial' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'pardonable, forgivable' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'minor, no big deal' is a commonplace synonym.

venial: Explore its Definition & Usage

venial Definition

(of a fault or offense) slight and pardonable.

Using venial: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "venial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
It was a venial mistake that anyone could have made.
Example
He committed a venial sin by telling a white lie.
Example
The judge considered the crime to be venial and gave a light sentence.
Example
Her venial offense was overlooked due to her otherwise good behavior.

venial Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for venial

Antonyms for venial

Phrases with venial

venial sin
a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace
Example
In Catholicism, lying is considered a venial sin.
venial fault
a minor or trivial fault
Example
His tardiness was seen as a venial fault by his boss.
venial offense
a minor or trivial offense
Example
The teacher overlooked the student's venial offense of forgetting to do their homework.

Origins of venial

from Latin 'venialis', meaning 'pardonable'

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Summary: venial in Brief

'Venial' [ˈviːniəl] describes a fault or offense that is slight and pardonable. It can refer to minor mistakes, sins, crimes, or offenses that are easily overlooked or forgiven. Examples include 'It was a venial mistake that anyone could have made.' and 'Her venial offense was overlooked due to her otherwise good behavior.' Synonyms include 'forgivable,' 'excusable,' and 'trivial.'