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nepotism — the practice of showing favoritism to relatives or friends in business or politics, especially by giving them jobs

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the practice of showing favoritism to relatives or friends in business or politics, especially by giving them jobs

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈnepəˌtɪzəm/

Example Sentences

  • The mayor's appointment of his brother-in-law as city manager sparked allegations of nepotism.
  • Hollywood has long been criticized for nepotism, with many celebrities' children landing major roles despite limited experience.
  • The family restaurant was so full of nepotism that even the cat got promoted to 'Chief Mouse Officer' before any actual employees.

nepotism

NOUN

[/ˈnepəˌtɪzəm/]

the practice of showing favoritism to relatives or friends in business or politics, especially by giving them jobs

The CEO promoted his unqualified nephew, showing blatant nepotism at the family firm.
💡 Concept

The CEO promoted his unqualified nephew, showing blatant nepotism at the family firm.

Nepotism crushes patriotism, leading to despotism
🎵 Rhyme

Nepotism crushes patriotism, leading to despotism

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈnepəˌtɪzəm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈnepəˌtɪzəm/

🌳Etymology

Rootnepot
Suffix--ism

Origin

From Italian 'nepotismo', derived from Latin 'nepos' meaning nephew or grandson. The term originated in Renaissance Italy, referring to the practice of popes and other Church officials appointing their relatives to positions of power and wealth.

Breakdown

Latin 'nepos' (nephew/grandson) + Italian suffix '-ismo' (practice/system) = nepotism (the practice of favoring relatives)

🎵Rhyme

despotism
patriotism

🔗Collocations

political nepotism
accusations of nepotism
nepotism scandal
corporate nepotism
rampant nepotism
nepotism and cronyism

📝Examples

“The mayor's appointment of his brother-in-law as city manager sparked allegations of nepotism.”

“Hollywood has long been criticized for nepotism, with many celebrities' children landing major roles despite limited experience.”

😄 Fun example

“The family restaurant was so full of nepotism that even the cat got promoted to 'Chief Mouse Officer' before any actual employees.”

“Anti-nepotism policies are now common in many organizations to ensure fair hiring practices.”

📚Related Words

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