venal
adjective
Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; corrupt and mercenary. Describes people or systems that can be bought.
Etymology
From Latin "venalis" (for sale), from "venus" (sale). Not related to "venial" (forgivable), though often confused with it.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The venal officials demanded bribes for basic services."
- 2.
"A venal press corps reported only what advertisers wanted."
- 3.
"The regime's venal nature was an open secret."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Confusing "venal" (corrupt) with "venial" (minor sin) creates opposite meanings. A venal sin would be corruption—a serious offense—while a venial sin is forgivable. The words have completely different Latin roots.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 5 letters (V, E, N, A, L)
Scrabble Value: 8 points
Tip: Words ending in "AL" are often good scoring opportunities.
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