The (4) Categories of Sin

The Hebrew Bible uses (4) different words to describe the categories of what we have broadly called, "sin". G_D takes into account what we knew and what we did with that knowledge. Therefore, an accidental sin may be less severe as opposed to a sin done with full awareness of our actions. This is, of course, a major problem for the teaching that all sins are the same.

In order from bad to worst, they are;

Chet - חטא (Inadvertent or accidental Sin)

These are the mistakes we make most-often unknowingly, for which the Torah details a wide range of remedies. This word comes from the same Hebrew word for 'missing the target'.  

Avon - עון (More deliberate sin)

Avonot (plural) are a type of sin that come from inappropriate behavior. This may be doing something we know is bad, but temptation gets the better of us.

Aveirah - עברה (Transgressions)

With Aveirot, we enter into a category of sin that is more problematic. This kind of sin violates a prohibitive commandment and brings with it a higher penalty. An Aveirah might be; Slander, murder, idolatry, sexual immorality or other moral error.

Fasha - פשע (Intentional, high-handed sins)

Here we have the worst case of sin that we can commit. Being intentional, these are done with full knowledge of our actions.  

One thing that all of these errors have in common is that they create a breakdown in our connection with the Creator of which we'd do well to remedy.