Definition and Pronunciation
Sin (pronounced: /sɪn/) is a noun and verb. As a noun, it refers to an action, thought, or behavior that goes against divine law, moral principles, or ethical standards. As a verb, it means to commit such an act.
Easy Explanation
A “sin” is when someone does something wrong, harmful, or forbidden—especially in a religious sense. For example, lying, stealing, or hurting others may be considered sins.
Grammatical Formation
- Noun: sin (singular), sins (plural)
- Verb: to sin → sins, sinned, sinning
- Related forms: sinner (person who sins), sinful (adjective), sinfulness (noun), sinlessly (adverb).
Word Comparisons
- Sin vs. crime: crime is breaking the law of the state; sin is breaking moral or divine law.
- Sin vs. vice: vice means a bad habit, while sin is a deeper moral or spiritual offense.
- Sin vs. mistake: mistakes may be unintentional; sins usually imply guilt or responsibility.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Sin against: do wrong toward someone or God (to sin against God).
- Sin of: type of sin (the sin of pride).
- Sin in: wrong action in a specific situation (a sin in the eyes of religion).
Real-Life Examples
- In Christianity, original sin refers to humanity’s inherited imperfection.
- He confessed his sins to the priest.
- She sinned by lying to her parents.
- Greed is considered a deadly sin.
Synonyms
transgression, wrongdoing, wickedness, immorality, misdeed, offense, fault, corruption
Antonyms
virtue, righteousness, morality, goodness, purity, holiness, innocence
Related Terms
- Deadly sins – pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, sloth.
- Original sin – theological concept of humanity’s inherited flaw.
- Sinless – free from wrongdoing.
- Penance – act of repentance for sin.
Common Collocations
- commit a sin
- mortal sin
- venial sin
- sin against God
- confess one’s sins
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Cardinal sin: a serious, fundamental mistake.
- Forgive me, it’s a sin: said when indulging in something guilty or excessive.
- Living in sin: old-fashioned phrase for cohabiting without marriage.
Sample Sentences
- Cheating on an exam is both a sin and a dishonorable act.
- Pride is often called the root of all sins.
- He asked for forgiveness for his sins.
- They were accused of living in sin before marriage.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, many traditions strongly associate “sin” with sexuality, especially acts like adultery, lust, or premarital sex. In conservative or religious contexts, sexual activity outside prescribed boundaries is often described as sinful. In modern casual language, however, “sin” can also be used playfully about indulgent or taboo sexual experiences.
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