Definition

Noun: - The act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance: This term refers to the formal forgiveness and pardon of sins, granted by a religious authority (such as a priest) as part of a sacred rite or sacrament, resulting in the sinner's release from guilt and punishment.

Usage

This is a formal, primarily theological term. It is used in religious contexts, especially within Christianity, to describe the core outcome of the sacrament of reconciliation or penance. - It describes the state or result of being forgiven. - It is often discussed in the context of divine grace, confession, and atonement.

Examples

• The priest assured the penitent that through sincere confession, he would receive remission of sin.
• Many believers seek remission of sin to achieve spiritual peace.
• The doctrine emphasizes that remission of sin is granted by God through the ministry of the Church.

Advanced Usage

• "To grant/obtain remission of sin": This is the most common collocation, framing the act as something given by an authority and received by the penitent.
  • The sacrament exists so that the faithful may obtain remission of sin.

Variants and Related Words

• Remission (noun): In a general sense, it can mean the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty. In a medical context, it means a diminution of the seriousness of disease symptoms.
• Absolution (noun): The formal act of a priest declaring a person's sins forgiven. This is a close synonym and often part of the process leading to remission of sin.
• Penance (noun): The sacrament itself, or acts performed to show contrition for sin.

Synonyms

• Forgiveness of sin
• Pardon of sin
• Absolution

Related Phrases

• Act of Contrition: A prayer expressing sorrow for sin, often part of seeking remission.
• Sacrament of Reconciliation: The formal name for the rite where remission of sin is imparted.

Noun

1. the act of absolving or remitting; formal redemption as pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance