sinner
UK[ˈsɪnə(r)]US[ˈsɪnər]
n
a person who commits a sin or sins, especially habitually.
Morpheme Breakdown
sin
er
sin
to do wrong
er
one who does
Etymology
the word 'sinner' is a transparent english compound built from native germanic elements. its core, 'sin', originates from old english 'synn', a term with a complex semantic history potentially linked to the notion of being 'truly guilty' or 'it is'. the agent suffix '-er', also from old english '-ere', is one of the most productive in the language for forming nouns denoting agents. thus, the literal construction 'one who sins' has remained semantically stable from its old english formation to modern usage, directly describing a person who commits an act against divine or moral law.
Analysis
Structure: sin (to do wrong) + er (one who does)
- sin (old english): from old english 'synn', meaning 'moral wrongdoing, injury, mischief, enmity'. functions as the core root denoting the concept of transgression.
- er (old english): from old english '-ere', an agent noun suffix. functions to indicate a person or thing that performs the action of the verb.
Examples
in many religious traditions, a sinner can seek forgiveness through repentance.
he viewed himself not as a hero, but as a flawed sinner trying to do better.
the preacher spoke about hope for the lost sinner.