Sin
/sɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn act against religious or moral law; a transgression.
/sɪn/
An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.
He confessed his sins to the priest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you do something you know is wrong, like taking a cookie before dinner when you were told not to. That's kind of like a sin. It's an action that breaks a rule or a promise.
👶 For kids: Doing something you know is bad or wrong. Like if you don't share your toys.
More Examples
Gluttony is considered a sin in some religions.
The consequences of his sin weighed heavily on him.
How It's Used
"Many religions teach that committing sins can lead to punishment in the afterlife."
"The concept of sin has been debated by philosophers for centuries."
To transgress a religious or moral law; to commit an offense.
/sɪn/
To commit an act that is considered a religious or moral offense.
He knew he had sinned, but he did it anyway.
💡 Simply: To do something that is considered wrong according to your beliefs or a set of rules. Think of it like breaking a rule you know is there.
👶 For kids: To do something bad or wrong, like breaking a rule.
More Examples
The character sinned against his values.
Many people feel guilty when they sin.
How It's Used
"She believes she has sinned by lying to her parents."
"To sin against nature"
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Seven Deadly Sins
A categorization of vices in Christian teachings, which include: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.
"The novel explored the themes of the seven deadly sins."
From Old English *synn*, from Proto-Germanic *sunjō* meaning 'guilt, offense'. Related to the verb *sundjanan* meaning 'to cause to sin'. Originally referring to any transgression of a divine law.
The word 'sin' has a long history, evolving from references to the violation of sacred laws to broader moral transgressions.
Memory tip
Think of the *sun* (sin) hiding behind the *clouds* of bad actions.