Venally: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'venally' comes from the Latin 'venalis', meaning 'for sale' or 'mercenary', indicating a sense of corruption or financial greed.
• It is often used in contexts discussing morality and ethics, particularly related to behaviors motivated by financial gain.
• The adverb form 'venally' modifies actions to signify they are done with a sense of greed or corruption.

Psychology

• Research shows that people may act venally under high-stress situations, often choosing quick financial gain over ethical considerations.
• The phenomenon of 'moral disengagement' explains how individuals rationalize venal behavior to alleviate guilt.
• Studies suggest that higher levels of income inequality can lead to increased venal behaviors in society as competition rises.

Literature

• Classic literature often portrays characters who act venally, highlighting the moral decay in societies driven by greed.
• Shakespeare’s plays explore themes of corruption and venality, particularly in characters who betray moral values for power or wealth.
• In modern novels, protagonists often confront venal actions, leading to conflicts that reveal deeper themes of integrity and justice.

Politics

• Political scandals frequently showcase venal behavior, such as bribery and corruption among public officials.
• Discussions about 'political venality' often focus on how lawmakers can exploit their positions for personal gain.
• Transparency and accountability movements in politics aim to combat venal behaviors and restore public trust.

Pop Culture

• Movies often depict villains who act venally, emphasizing their greed as a key motivation for their actions.
• Reality television sometimes glorifies venal behaviors, showcasing individuals who prioritize fame and wealth over ethics.
• Video games frequently include characters or quests that reveal venal traits, challenging players to navigate moral dilemmas.

With rank #43,362, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.

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• 43359 driveler
• 43360 leakiest
• 43361 delinquently
• 43362 venally
• 43363 gorily
• 43364 sleuthed
• 43365 queasier
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