ConfusableAges 15–20Venal or venial
Open to bribery; willing to be bought.
The venal official accepted cash payments.
Minor and easily forgiven (of a fault or sin).
Forgetting her name was a venial error.
Remember: VENAL is from Latin for 'for sale': someone who can be bought. VENIAL is from Latin for 'forgiveness': a small, forgivable slip.
Quick check
The ____ official accepted cash payments.