Religious Context:
* Violation of divine law: In many religions, "sinful" refers to actions or thoughts that go against the rules and commandments set forth by a deity. These actions are considered morally wrong and may lead to punishment or consequences in this life or the afterlife.
* Immoral or unethical: This definition is closely related to the previous one, but it emphasizes the subjective understanding of what is right and wrong. Actions that are considered sinful might be seen as immoral or unethical by a particular society or religious group.
* Character flaw: A person can be described as "sinful" if they have a propensity to engage in actions that are considered morally wrong. This might involve a lack of compassion, forgiveness, or self-control.
Non-Religious Context:
* Immoral or unethical: Even without a religious framework, "sinful" can be used to describe behavior that is considered wrong or harmful. This can be based on societal norms, ethical principles, or individual values.
* Harmful or damaging: In some cases, "sinful" might refer to actions that are harmful or damaging to oneself or others, even if they are not explicitly considered immoral. For example, someone might say that overeating is "sinful" if they are concerned about its health consequences.
Figurative Language:
* Exaggeration: "Sinful" can be used as a hyperbole to emphasize the pleasure or deliciousness of something. For example, "This cake is sinful!"
It's important to remember that the meaning of "sinful" is often subjective and dependent on individual beliefs and values.
If you have a specific context in mind, please provide more information so I can give you a more accurate answer.