venial

Venial is an adjective used to describe offenses, faults, or sins that are considered minor or easily forgivable. In general English usage, it can refer to any lapse regarded as insufficient to cause lasting harm, or to actions that are not grave or deliberate. The word originates from the Latin venialis, meaning pardonable or pardon-worthy, from venia, meaning pardon or grace.

In Roman Catholic theology, venial sin is a distinct category of sin defined as less serious than a mortal sin. A venial sin weakens, but does not sever, a person’s relationship with God or destroy sanctifying grace. It can be forgiven through ordinary means such as contrition, prayer, and acts of charity, and is often associated with the ongoing need for repentance and spiritual formation. The sacrament of Reconciliation is specifically required for the forgiveness of mortal sins; while it is still beneficial for venial sins, confession is not considered strictly necessary for them. Nonetheless, the Church teaches that consistent repentance and participation in Church sacraments help to grow in holiness and resist further sin.

Beyond Catholic theology, venial is used more broadly to describe minor or excusable faults, sometimes in secular moral discourse. The term conveys a spectrum of wrongdoing rather than a clear-cut boundary, contrasting with more serious offenses.