sin

noun C1 Formal

Meaning

In a moral and philosophical context, "sin" refers to an act or thought that is considered to be a transgression against divine law or ethical principles, often invoking a sense of guilt or moral culpability, and can encompass both individual actions and

💡 The term "sin" is frequently associated with religious doctrine; however, in secular discourse, it can also denote ethical failings that may not necessarily have a religious connotation, leading to potential ambiguity in its application.

Example Sentences

Committing a sin often leads to feelings of guilt and regret .

Committing such a sin can have serious moral consequences .

Ignoring customer feedback is a serious sin in business management .

The concept of sin varies significantly across different religious traditions .

Word in Context

After the meeting , Anna sat by the window and tried to make sense of her actions , wondering whether the brief falsehood she told a colleague amounted to a real moral failing . She did not imagine dramatic betrayals , but the sense of guilt persisted as if every small transgression added weight to her conscience . In philosophical terms , she struggled with the idea that a seemingly minor deception could be labeled a sin , yet the unease in her chest felt unmistakably serious . Rather than ignore her discomfort , she resolved to be honest the next day and to apologise , believing that admitting fault was the only way to reconcile with both the colleague and herself . That decision , she realized , brought a strange relief : taking responsibility turned abstract ethical concerns into practical steps toward restoring trust .

Common Phrases

original sin mortal sin sin of omission

Synonyms

Related Words

Never forget "sin"

Set a daily goal, reinforce with word cards and games, and track your progress in the Vocab5000 app — learn every C1 level word permanently with our science-based repetition system.

From App StoreDownload

From Google PlayDownload