Venal vs. Venial — What's the Difference?

Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; corrupt

Denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace

Open to bribery; mercenary

Easily excused or forgiven; pardonable

Characterized by corrupt dealings, especially bribery

Roman Catholic Church Minor, therefore warranting only temporal punishment.

(Archaic) Obtainable for a price.

Able to be forgiven; worthy of forgiveness.

Venous; pertaining to veins.

(often, especially) Worthy of forgiveness because trifling (trivial).

(archaic) For sale; available for purchase.

Capable of being forgiven; not heinous; excusable; pardonable; as, a venial fault or transgression.

Of a position, privilege etc.: available for purchase rather than assigned on merit.

Allowed; permitted.

Capable of being bought (of a person); willing to take bribes.

Warranting only temporal punishment;

(of behaviour etc.) Corrupt, mercenary.

Easily excused or forgiven;

Of or pertaining to veins; venous; as, venal blood.

Capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration; made matter of trade or barter; held for sale; salable; mercenary; purchasable; hireling; as, venal services.

Capable of being corrupted;