One syllable: Sin.
sin
/sɪn/
Sin is pronounced sin (/sɪn/). It has one syllable (Sin), with the stress on "Sin". Sin is a noun referring to an act that is considered morally wrong or against divine law. It can also denote a moral failure or wrongdoing in a general sense. In religious or ethical discussions, it distinguishes actions judged as transgressions from legitimate or permissible behavior.
nounSin is a noun referring to an act that is considered morally wrong or against divine law. It can also denote a moral failure or wrongdoing in a general sense. In religious or ethical discussions, it distinguishes actions judged as transgressions from legitimate or permissible behavior.
"In many traditions, stealing is regarded as a sin and requires repentance."
"He admitted his sin and sought forgiveness."
"The painter debated whether artistic rebellion could be considered a sin in some communities."
Pronounce it as /sɪn/, with a short, lax 'i' as in 'sit' and a crisp /n/ at the end. The initial /s/ is a light, unvoiced sibilant; your tongue should be near the alveolar ridge. The vowel is a short, lax /ɪ/ (not a long /i:/). Make sure there isn’t any vowel lengthening or extra vowel sounds. If you’re listening to a native speaker, you’ll hear a quick, one-syllable word with clear /s/ + /ɪ/ + /n/ sounds.
Common errors include turning /ɪ/ into a longer vowel as in 'sine' or 'sing,' and gliding into /saɪn/ or /sɪŋ/ by adding a vowel before the /n/ or nasal sound. Another error is overemphasizing the vowel to sound like /siːn/ or slurring the final /n/. To correct, keep the vowel short and relaxed: the tip of the tongue lightly behind the bottom front teeth, then press the tip to the alveolar ridge to produce /n/ cleanly.
Across US, UK, and AU, /sɪn/ is consistent for this word; the main variation is vowel quality and rhoticity in surrounding sounds rather than the core vowel. In connected speech, US speakers may slightly reduce surrounding vowels, UK speakers may have a crisper /ɪ/ and shorter vowel; Australian speakers tend toward a centralized vowel in fast speech but still maintain /ɪ/ in careful speech. All three maintain the final /n/ with a light contact.
The challenge lies in the short, lax vowel /ɪ/ followed by a quick alveolar /n/. Many speakers micromanage the tongue position, causing vowel length differences or over-aspiration on /s/. The most critical is keeping the /ɪ/ compact and producing a clean, unreleased /n/ without an extra vowel or nasalization. Practicing precise mouth position helps.
A practical tip: practice with a mirror, focusing on the exact mouth positions for /s/, /ɪ/, and /n/. Put the tip of your tongue lightly behind the upper teeth for /s/ and touch the alveolar ridge with the tongue tip for the /n/. The vowel /ɪ/ should be brief and relaxed; avoid tensing your lips. You’ll get a crisp, one-syllable 'sin' once you maintain a steady, short vowel and clean nasal closure.
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The word sin comes from the Old English syn, sunu, later evolving into synn in Middle English, ultimately from the Proto-Germanic stem *sunnō. Its precise origin is linked to concepts of guilty action or fraud against a moral law. In early Germanic languages, the term connoted religious offense rather than secular mischief, expanding in the Christian era to denote violations against divine command. Across historical periods, sin has been a central moral category shaping legal codes, confessional practice, and social norms; it has also broadened in some contexts to secular guilt and personal failing. The notion traveled through Latin’s peior, but the Germanic root retained its specific religious connotation in English usage. First known written attestations in Old English show syn, with sin later appearing as a compound concept in doctrinal and ethical texts, underscoring the shared human preoccupation with moral accountability.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Sin" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Sin" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Sin" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Sin"
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Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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