Nepotism Meaning and Definition
Nepotism
Pronunciation
/nɪˈpɒtɪzəm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The practice of giving preference to relatives or friends in appointments, promotions, or awards, often to the detriment of more deserving or qualified individuals.
Examples
- The company has been accused of nepotism, with several family members holding high-level positions.
- The politician’s appointment of his nephew to a key role raised eyebrows due to concerns of nepotism.
Synonyms
- Partiality
- favoritism
Antonyms
- Meritocracy
Etymology
The word “nepotism” comes from the Latin “nepos,” meaning “nephew,” and the suffix “-ism,” indicating a practice or doctrine.
Usage Notes
Nepotism can refer to both individual instances of favoritism and widespread practices within an organization or society.
Cultural References
Nepotism has been a topic of debate and criticism in various contexts, including politics, business, and entertainment.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The phrase “you have to know the right people” is often used to refer to nepotistic practices.
Related Words or Phrases
Other words and phrases that convey similar meanings to nepotism include “cronyism,” “patronage,” and “favoritism.”
Collocations
Nepotism often collocates with words such as “scandal,” “controversy,” and “reform.”
Frequency of Use
Nepotism is a relatively infrequent word in modern language, but it can be important in discussions of ethics and fairness.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of nepotism include “nepotian,” “nepotistic,” and “nepotical.”