C1noun2K

Sin

UK /["/sɪn/"]/US /["/sɪn/"]/

Definition

an offence against God or against a religious or moral law

In simple words: Doing something wrong or bad that goes against moral principles.

Examples

  • According to religious teachings, stealing is considered a sin.
  • Many believe that lying to harm others is a grave sin.
  • In calculus, the sine function is often abbreviated as sin.
  • The sin of the angle in the right triangle helps determine its dimensions.
  • He confessed his sin and sought forgiveness from the community.

Usage notes

Used in religious or moral contexts. It's generally appropriate in discussions about ethics, religion, or personal behavior but might be less suitable in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'sin' as 'sinned' — imagine someone confessing their wrongdoings.

Collocations

  • cardinal
  • deadly
  • mortal
  • commit
  • confess
  • repent
  • tax
  • bin
  • sin against
  • sin of
  • the forgiveness of sin
  • the forgiveness of sins
  • the seven deadly sins
  • cardinal
  • deadly
  • mortal
  • commit
  • confess
  • repent
  • tax
  • bin
  • sin against
  • sin of
  • the forgiveness of sin
  • the forgiveness of sins
  • the seven deadly sins
  • cardinal
  • deadly
  • mortal
  • commit
  • confess
  • repent
  • tax
  • bin
  • sin against
  • sin of
  • the forgiveness of sin
  • the forgiveness of sins
  • the seven deadly sins

Synonyms

  • transgression
  • wrongdoing
  • offense
  • immorality

Antonyms

  • virtue
  • goodness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sinner' — 'sin' is the act, while 'sinner' is the person who commits it.
  • Misunderstood as a legal term; it's more about morality than legality.
  • Omitted in discussions about moral beliefs; often used when discussing faith.