Sinners

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Individuals who commit immoral acts or violate a moral code | People who engage in wrongdoing or actions considered evil or sinful | Those who go against ethical principles, often facing moral condemnation
  2. Individuals who transgress moral standards or commit wrongdoings
  3. People who perform acts deemed immoral or contrary to ethical beliefs

Etymology: The noun in question traces its origins to the Old English word "synn," which meant an offense or wrongdoing against divine law. This term carried strong moral and religious weight, as it was primarily used within the context of Christianity to denote actions considered violations of God's commandments. From "synn," the agentive suffix "-er" was later added to form "sinner," referring to a person who commits such offenses. The plural form under consideration simply follows the regular English pattern of adding "-s" to signify more than one individual who commits sins. The concept of sin and those who commit it has been central to religious discourse for centuries, particularly within Christian theology, where the term became widespread by the Middle Ages. The word entered Middle English around the 12th century, evolving in spelling and pronunciation but maintaining its core meaning. Over time, the term expanded beyond strictly religious usage to encompass broader moral and ethical contexts. While originally tied to specific theological doctrines, it came to describe anyone who transgresses accepted moral norms within a given society. Despite this semantic broadening, its roots remain firmly planted in the idea of moral failing or wrongdoing, connecting the individual to a recognized standard of conduct. Thus, the word carries a lineage that reflects humanity’s longstanding concern with morality, accountability, and the consequences of actions deemed wrong by divine or societal standards. The plural form simply multiplies this concept, signifying a collective of those judged to have strayed from such paths.

Synonyms: wrongdoers, transgressors

Antonyms: saints, righteous