mble yet free
outflowing of soul. Compare VENERATION.

Antonyms:

contemn, detest, dishonor, scoff at, slight,
despise, disdain, disregard, scorn, spurn.

* * * * *

VENERATION.

Synonyms:

adoration, awe, dread, reverence.

_Awe_ is inspired by that in which there is sublimity or majesty so
overwhelming as to awaken a feeling akin to fear; in _awe_, considered
by itself, there is no element of esteem or affection, tho the sense of
vastness, power, or grandeur in the object is always present. _Dread_ is
a shrinking apprehension or expectation of possible harm awakened by any
one of many objects or causes, from that which is overwhelmingly vast
and mighty to that which is productive of momentary physical pain; in
its higher uses _dread_ approaches the meaning of _awe_, but with more
of chilliness and cowering, and without that subjection of soul to the
grandeur and worthiness of the object that is involved in _awe_. _Awe_
is preoccupied with the object that inspires it; _dread_ with
apprehension of personal consequences. _Reverence_ and _veneration_ are
less overwhelming than _awe_ or _dread_, and suggest something of
esteem, affection, and personal nearness. We may feel _awe_ of that
which we can not _reverence_, as a grandly terrible ocean storm; _awe_
of the divine presence is more distant and less trustful than
_reverence_. _Veneration_ is commonly applied to things which are not
subjects of _awe_. _Adoration_, in its full sense, is loftier than
_veneration_, less restrained and awed than _reverence_, and with more
of the spirit of direct, active, and joyful worship. Compare ESTEEM;
VENERATE.

Antonyms:

contempt, disdain, dishonor, disregard, scorn.

* * * * *

VENIAL.

Synonyms:

excusable, pardonable, slight, trivial.

_Venial_ (L. _venia_, pardon) signifies capable of being pardoned, and,
in common use, capable of being readily pardoned, easily overlooked.
Aside from its technical ecclesiastical use, _venial_ is always
understood as marking some fault comparatively _slight_ or _trivial_. A
_venial_ offense is one readily overlooked; a _pardonable_ offense
requires more serious consideration, but on deliberation is found to be
susceptible of pardon. _Excusable_ is scarcely applied to offenses, but
to matters open to doubt or criticism rather than direct censure; so
used, it often falls little shor