Main Entry:

ve·nial

Pronunciation:

\ˈvē-nē-əl, -nyəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

: 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