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Venal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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venal

[ˈviː.nəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

corruption, bribery

The term 'venal' describes someone who is willing to engage in dishonest or corrupt behavior, especially in exchange for money. It can refer to individuals, actions, or ethics where moral integrity is compromised for financial gain. This word often implies that the corrupt behavior is a deliberate and conscious choice, highlighting the moral weakness of the individual involved. Thus, a venal person can be seen as greedy or unscrupulous.

Synonyms

bribable, corrupt, dishonest, greedy, mercenary.

Examples of usage

  • The venal politician accepted bribes from various corporations.
  • In a venal society, justice is often bought and sold.
  • The company's venal practices were exposed after an investigation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Politics

  • The term is often used to describe corrupt politicians who accept bribes in exchange for favours.
  • Historically, venality has been a key factor in the downfall of empires, as corruption erodes trust in government.

Literature

  • Many literary works feature venal characters who betray trust and integrity for financial gain, serving as warnings against corruption.
  • Classic authors like Charles Dickens highlight venal behavior to critique societal norms and injustice.

Ethics

  • Philosophers often discuss venality in the context of moral integrity, questioning how far some will go for money.
  • Venal acts can undermine communal trust, leading to a breakdown in ethical behaviour in society.

Pop Culture

  • Venal themes are prevalent in films and TV shows, portraying characters who compromise their values for wealth, representing a cautionary tale.
  • The concept is also explored in modern video games, where players may choose to make morally questionable decisions for rewards.

Origin of 'venal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'venal' comes from the Latin term 'venalis,' meaning 'for sale,' which highlights the idea of being bought.
  • Its root is 'venire,' which means 'to come,' indicating that something can be approached or acquired for a price.

The word 'venal' originates from the Latin word 'venalis', which means 'for sale'. This Latin term itself is derived from 'vendere', meaning 'to sell'. The evolution of the term took place as it transitioned into Middle English during the 15th century, retaining the connotation of being capable of being bought or sold but later acquiring the more specific meanings associated with corruption and moral decay. Over time, the word has been used to describe not only individuals but also systems and institutions where corruption is prevalent. Its usage has grown particularly in political discourse, where venal practices are often highlighted as detrimental to democratic integrity. As societies have grappled with issues of bribery and corruption, the word 'venal' has come to symbolize the ethical challenges that arise in governance and corporate practices.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,875, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.