[ 'vi:nɪəl ]
■ adjective Christian Theology denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace. Often contrasted with mortal .
↘(of a fault or offence) slight and pardonable.
Derivatives
~ity -'alɪti noun
~ly adverb
Origin
ME: via OFr. from late L. ~is , from venia 'forgiveness'.
Usage
Venal and ~ are sometimes confused. Venal means ‘susceptible to bribery’ ( venal politicians ), whereas ~ is used to refer to a sin or offence that is excusable or pardonable.