Welcome to Wondrous Words Wednesday, a meme hosted by Kathy at bermudaonion.net. Join me in learning some cool new words.
It’s also Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a season of contemplation and spiritual growth. How fitting that my word today is venial.
I actually came across it in the Nov/Dec issue of Writer’s Digest in an article about character motivation.
… some villains have unchanging personalities but changing motivations. They start out venial, greedy, evil, or destructive…
As a Catholic, I’ve heard this term while discussing sin, but I never expected to find it used to describe character. Here’s some info from Webster’s:
venial \’vē-nē-əl\ adj from Latin venia favor, pardon; akin to Latin venus, love; of a kind that can be remitted: forgivable, pardonable, venial faults
This helps explain venial sin: noun; a sin committed without full reflection or consent that does not deprive the soul of sanctifying grace.
So, when I lost my temper and yelled at my kids to get out the door this morning? That was a venial sin. Forgivable. Well, at least I hope my children think so.
Word Nerd Workout
Think of a venial fault in one of your favorite characters; write a sentence about it. For example:
Jane patiently endured Mr. Rochester’s venial and unpredictable shifts in temper.
Your turn! Good luck.
Other Word Nerd Words
Click on the words below to learn more!
Thanks for stopping by!
Julia
I’m Catholic too! And I’d never heard it in any other context either.
I always learn something new here. 🙂
Good one, Julia!
Since returning from Guatemala, I’ve learned to adopt a venial attitude toward those who take a casual attitude toward the suffering of people in third-world countries.
True statement 🙂
I had a completely different idea what venial meant! Thanks for the great word.
Although I’m not Catholic, I’ve read/heard venial sin used often. Like many of these words, I didn’t bother to look it up. Ah-ha, now I understand. I don’t have a character’s venial sin to share but I will give it some thought.
That does explain venial sin!
Hi Julia,
I like this one — I think I can use ‘venial’ within my writing. Thanks for such a thorough explanation. 😉
Have a great day, Hester 😉
Love the word! I commit venial sins of motherhood daily…and yes, I do hope that my venial bursts of temper are not what my children remember most about me 🙁 At least we have the oreo truffle to wipe the venial slate clean, right 🙂
Oh yes indeed! The oreo truffles were a huge hit at my house and with my book club. Everyone should try them; Amy’s recipe here: http://www.maisymak.com/2013/02/ultimate-valentine-lover-food-chocolate.html.