Definition of venial

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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< veni-

venial sin >

ve·ni·al    (vn-l, vnyl) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. Easily excused or forgiven; pardonable: a venial offense.
2. Roman Catholic Church Minor, therefore warranting only temporal punishment.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin venilis, from Latin venia, forgiveness; see wen- ¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
veni·ali·ty   (vn-l-t, vn-yl-) KEY   or veni·al·ness   (vn-l-ns, vnyl-) KEY  (Noun), veni·al·ly (Adverb)

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