VENIALITY Meaning and
Definition
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Veniality, noun:
1. The quality or condition of being venial; the state or characteristic of being forgivable or pardonable. It refers to actions or offenses that are considered minor, not deserving of severe punishment or long-lasting consequences. Veniality implies a somewhat trivial or slight nature, where the transgression committed does not pose significant harm or have extreme moral implications. It suggests an offense that, while recognized as a breach of conduct or moral code, is more easily remedied, forgiven, or overlooked without causing lasting harm to relationships or society at large.
2. In certain religious contexts, particularly within the Catholic Church, veniality refers to sins that are not considered as grave or mortal. These sins are regarded as minor offenses against God's commandments, not resulting in a complete separation from divine grace. Venial sins are considered acts of moral imperfection that can be corrected through penance, such as prayers or acts of charity, without the need for the sacrament of confession.
Overall, veniality encompasses actions, offenses, or sins that, while still reprehensible to some degree, are of a lesser significance or severity compared to others. It emphasizes the potential for forgiveness, the idea that minor transgressions can be excused or absolved without causing significant harm or loss.
Common Misspellings for VENIALITY
Etymology of VENIALITY
The word "veniality" is derived from the Latin word "venialis", which means "pardonable" or "forgivable". The suffix "-ity" is added to form a noun that denotes the state or quality of being venial. In Christian theology, "venial" sins are considered less serious offenses that do not rupture one's relationship with God, unlike mortal sins. Therefore, "veniality" refers to the concept or condition of being venial.
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