venial
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
venial /ˈviːnɪəl/
▶adjective Christian Theology denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace. Often contrasted with mortal.
■ (of a fault or offence) slight and pardonable.
– derivatives
veniality /-ˈalɪti/ noun,
venially adverb.
veniality /-ˈalɪti/ noun,
venially adverb.
– origin ME: via OFr. from late L. venialis, from venia ‘forgiveness’.
usage: Venal and venial are sometimes confused. Venal means ‘susceptible to bribery’ (venal politicians), whereas venial is used to refer to a sin or offence that is excusable or pardonable.
'venial' also found in these Oxford entries:
