Connivance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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connivance

[kəˈnaɪvəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a negative context

Connivance is the act of secretly cooperating or conspiring with someone to do something wrong, illegal, or unethical.

Synonyms

collusion, complicity, conspiracy.

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Word Description / Examples
connivance

Used when referring to the act of allowing or secretly helping to do something wrong or illegal. This term often implies passive acceptance or silent approval.

  • The manager's connivance in the scam was exposed during the investigation.
  • Their connivance with the corrupt officials led to the company's downfall.
collusion

Appropriate for situations where there is a secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially to cheat or deceive others. It often involves multiple parties working together dishonestly.

  • There was evidence of collusion between the company executives and government officials.
  • The lawyers were accused of collusion to manipulate the outcome of the trial.
complicity

Best used when someone is involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing. It emphasizes a shared responsibility.

  • Her complicity in the robbery was proven by the security footage.
  • The CEO denied any complicity in the fraudulent schemes.
conspiracy

Fits scenarios where there is a secret plan made by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. It suggests an organized and deliberate effort.

  • The conspiracy to overthrow the government was foiled by the police.
  • He was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.

Examples of usage

  • The connivance of the employees allowed the theft to go unnoticed for months.
  • She was accused of connivance in the embezzlement scheme.
Context #2 | Noun

in a neutral context

Connivance can also refer to the attitude of pretending not to notice or ignoring something wrong that should be stopped or corrected.

Examples of usage

  • Her connivance with her children's misbehavior only encouraged them to continue.
  • The connivance of the authorities led to the spread of corruption.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'connivance'

The word 'connivance' originated from the Latin word 'connivere,' which means 'to shut the eyes to.' It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of connivance has been present throughout history, often associated with covert actions or turning a blind eye to wrongdoing.


See also: connive, conniving.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,015, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.