venial

views updated Jun 08 2018

ve·ni·al / ˈvēnēəl; ˈvēnyəl/ • adj. Christian Theol. denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace.Often contrasted with mortal. ∎ (of a fault or offense) slight and pardonable.DERIVATIVES: ve·ni·al·i·ty / ˌvēnēˈalətē/ n.ve·ni·al·ly adv.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

venial

views updated May 21 2018

venial (theol., of sin) not mortal XIII; that may be excused XVI. — OF. venial (mod. véniel) — late L. veniālis, f. venia forgiveness, indulgence, f. base of venus love; see -IAL.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

venial

views updated May 23 2018

venial in Christian theology, denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace. The word comes ultimately (in Middle English, via Old French) from late Latin venia ‘forgiveness’.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES