venial VEE-nee-uhl adjective WS #42

denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace; (of a fault or offense) slight and pardonable; forgivable or excusable

1. In comparison to the major crimes committed, his venial infractions seemed almost insignificant to the judge.
2. The venial nature of her mistake meant that a simple apology would be sufficient to restore the relationship.
3. The priest assured the parishioner that her small lie was a venial sin that could be easily forgiven.
4. The teacher considered the student's minor plagiarism a venial error rather than a serious academic violation.
5. His venial offense of arriving late to the meeting was overlooked given his otherwise excellent performance.