Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Easily excused or forgiven; not seriously wrong: Describes a fault, sin, or error that is minor, pardonable, and does not constitute a grave offense.
   • Warranting only temporal punishment: In religious, particularly Catholic, doctrine, this describes a sin that is less serious than a mortal sin and does not result in eternal damnation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Arriving a few minutes late was considered a venial oversight.
  • In his confession, he mentioned only venial sins from the past week.
  • The judge dismissed the charge as a venial infraction of the rules.

Advanced Usage

• Theological Context: The term is most precisely used in contrast to "mortal sin."
  • According to Catholic teaching, a venial sin weakens but does not destroy one's relationship with God.
• Figurative Use: Can be applied to minor flaws or shortcomings in non-religious contexts.
  • His forgetfulness is a venial flaw in an otherwise excellent character.

Variants and Related Words

• Venially (adverb): In a venial manner; pardonably.
  • He had sinned only venially.
• Veniality (noun): The quality or state of being venial.
  • The veniality of the mistake meant no formal disciplinary action was taken.

Synonyms

• Pardonable: Capable of being forgiven.
• Excusable: Justifiable; able to be forgiven.
• Minor: Of little importance or seriousness.
• Forgivable: Able to be forgiven.

Antonyms

• Mortal (in theological context): Constituting a grave sin leading to spiritual death.
• Unforgivable: So bad it cannot be forgiven.
• Inexcusable: Impossible to justify or forgive.
• Grave: Very serious or important.

Related Phrases & Idioms

• Venial sin: A specific theological term for a lesser sin that does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace.
  • The catechism distinguishes between mortal and venial sin.

Adjective

1. easily excused or forgiven
   • a venial error
2. warranting only temporal punishment
   • venial sin