venality — the quality of being susceptible to bribery; corruption; the practice of being motivated by personal gain rather than moral principles
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the quality of being susceptible to bribery; corruption; the practice of being motivated by personal gain rather than moral principles
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈviːnælɪti/
Example Sentences
- The judge's venality became obvious when he bought a mansion right after the controversial verdict.
- His venality knew no bounds - he even tried to sell his grandmother's parking spot at the cemetery.
- The company's venality was so extreme that they charged employees for using the office bathroom.
venality
NOUN[/ˈviːnælɪti/]
the quality of being susceptible to bribery; corruption; the practice of being motivated by personal gain rather than moral principles
a well-dressed government official secretly accepts a thick envelope of cash from a businessman across his desk. The official glances around nervously while stuffing the money into his jacket pocket. In exchange, he slides an official document with an approval stamp toward the businessman. The businessman smirks with satisfaction as he receives the fraudulent approval. Security cameras on the wall are deliberately turned away from the scene. venality through the corrupt exchange of money for official favors motivated by personal gain rather than proper procedure
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'venalis' meaning 'for sale' or 'that can be bought.' In ancient Rome, this described not just goods and slaves, but also public offices and political influence that could be purchased with money.
Breakdown
ven- (to sell) + -al (relating to) + -ity (noun suffix meaning 'state or quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The judge's venality became obvious when he bought a mansion right after the controversial verdict.”
“His venality knew no bounds - he even tried to sell his grandmother's parking spot at the cemetery.”
“The company's venality was so extreme that they charged employees for using the office bathroom.”
“Academic venality has increased with professors selling grades to the highest bidder.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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