venial
ve·nial
adjective \ˈvē-nē-əl, -nyəl\Definition of VENIAL
: of a kind that can be remitted : forgivable, pardonable; also : meriting no particular censure or notice : excusable <venial faults>
— ve·nial·ly adverb
— ve·nial·ness noun
Examples of VENIAL
- <taking the restaurant's menu as a souvenir seems like a venial offense>
Origin of VENIAL
Middle English, from Middle French veniel, from Late Latin venialis, from Latin venia favor, indulgence, pardon; akin to Latin venus love, charm — more at win
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to VENIAL
- Synonyms
- condonable, excusable, forgivable, pardonable, remissible, remittable
- Antonyms
- indefensible, inexcusable, mortal, unforgivable, unjustifiable, unpardonable
Learn More About VENIAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: venial sin
Previous Word in the Dictionary: venia aetatis
All Words Near: venial
Previous Word in the Dictionary: venia aetatis
All Words Near: venial
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up venial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


See 









