sinful

/ˈsɪnfl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪnfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsin-fəl/ (ame, mw)

sinful — adjective

  • sinfulpositive
  • more sinfulcomparative
  • most sinfulsuperlative

1. describing an action, thought, or way of living that breaks religious rules or a

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing an action, thought, or way of living that breaks religious rules or accepted moral standards about right and wrong.

例句

Hoa's grandmother taught her that telling a lie was a deeply sinful act.

collocation: deeply sinful

The priest warned the congregation about the sinful nature of greed and envy.

pattern: the sinful nature of [something]

同義詞
  • wicked

    stronger and more judgmental; suggests deliberate evil rather than a lapse in moral standards

  • immoral

    broader and more secular; does not necessarily invoke religion

  • evil

    much stronger; implies fundamental malevolence or causing serious harm

反義詞
  • virtuous

    having high moral standards; the opposite of sinful behaviour

  • righteous

    morally right or justifiable, especially in a religious sense

文法句型

be sinful

a sinful + noun

用法筆記

Often found in religious or moral discussion; can be modified by degree adverbs such as deeply, truly, or utterly.

常見錯誤

❌She felt sinful for eating the cake.
✅She felt sinful for lying to her parents.
💡When referring to pleasure (especially food), sense 2 (INDULGENT) is more natural; sense 1 (IMMORAL) implies a moral or religious transgression.

2. describing something — especially a rich food, drink, or luxurious experience —

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing something — especially a rich food, drink, or luxurious experience — that gives great pleasure but is likely to harm your health, damage your diet, or make you feel guilty afterward.

例句

Maeve ordered a sinful slice of triple-chocolate cake with extra cream.

attributive: sinful + dessert noun

The hotel breakfast buffet offered sinful pastries filled with custard and nuts.

同義詞
  • decadent

    very close in meaning; emphasises richness and luxury more than guilt

  • indulgent

    highlights self-gratification without the religious overtones

  • naughty

    lighter, more playful tone; often used for a small treat rather than a full meal

反義詞
  • healthy

    good for your body; the opposite of a sinful indulgence

  • light

    low in calories or fat; contrasts with rich, heavy sinful foods

文法句型

a sinful + food/drink noun

用法筆記

This sense is almost always used in a playful or self-deprecating tone, not a serious moral judgment. The most common collocates are food nouns (cake, dessert, pasta, chocolate, brunch).

常見錯誤

❌He committed a sinful crime.
✅He ordered a sinful dessert.
💡Sense 2 only works with pleasurable things (food, drink, treats, experiences); use sense 1 for actual wrongdoing.