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original sin
noun
1
: the state of sin that according to Christian theology characterizes all human beings as a result of Adam's fall
2
: a wrong of great magnitude
the original sin of slavery
Examples of original sin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Having spent much of her life being forced to pray for salvation from original sin, Carrie is set free by her unholy skill.
—Rafaela Bassili, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2024
As usual, the cover-up becomes bigger than the original sin.
—Brad Templeton, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
In a society that privileged religion, women were also casualties of biblical interpretations that emphasized their original sin: Eve over Deborah, Jezebel over Sarah.
—Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020
That’s arguably true as a question of history, though increasingly embracing a narrative of secular original sin is part of what’s put the Democratic Party in this hole in the first place.
—Harry Siegel, New York Daily News, 20 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of original sin was
in the 14th century
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Cite this Entry
“Original sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original%20sin. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
original sin
noun1
: the state of sin that according to Christian teaching all people are born in as a result of Adam's sin in Eden
2
: a very great and significant wrong
the original sin of slavery
More from Merriam-Webster on original sin
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about original sin
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