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Venality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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venality

[vɪˈnæl.ɪ.ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

corruption aspect

Venality refers to the quality of being open to bribery or corruption. It often describes a lack of integrity in public officials or institutions where financial incentives can significantly affect their decisions and actions.

Synonyms

bribery, corruption, dishonesty, greed, venalness.

Examples of usage

  • The venality of some politicians has led to widespread distrust among the voters.
  • Efforts to reduce venality in government have become a central focus of reform advocates.
  • The novel critiques the venality inherent in the business deals of the main character.

Translations

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

Origin of 'venality'

The word 'venality' comes from the Latin term 'venalis', meaning 'for sale', which is derived from 'venum', meaning 'sale'. The connotation of being open to financial inducement has evolved over time, particularly in political and social contexts. The concept of venality has been critically explored in literature and social commentary, often emphasizing the moral failing of individuals or institutions that prioritize monetary gain over ethical standards. In modern usage, it is primarily associated with corruption in governance and public trust issues, reflecting concerns about the integrity of public officials and the influence of money in politics. As such, venality serves as a reminder of the challenges societies face in maintaining ethical standards and accountability.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,381 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.