Venal Meaning and Definition
Venal
Pronunciation
/ˈvɛnəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Describing something or someone that is corrupt, bribable, or easily influenced by money or other forms of compensation.
Examples
- The politician was accused of being venal, taking bribes from wealthy donors.
- The venal behavior of the company’s executives led to their downfall.
Synonyms
- Corrupt
- Bribable
- Easily influenced
Antonyms
- Integrity
- Honest
- Upright
Additional Information
Venal behavior is often associated with corruption and abuse of power. In politics, venal politicians may prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the people they serve.
In business, venal executives may engage in unethical practices to maximize profits, disregarding the consequences for others.
Etymology
The word “venal” comes from the Latin “venalis,” meaning “for sale” or ” purchasable.”
Usage Notes
When describing someone or something as venal, it’s essential to provide evidence or context to support the claim, as it is a serious accusation.
Cultural References
In literature, venal characters are often depicted as villainous or corrupt, such as in Shakespeare’s plays.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
- Corruption
- Bribery
- Conflict of interest
Collocations
- Venal politician
- Venal behavior
- Venal interests
Frequency of Use
The word “venal” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe corruption or unethical behavior.
Common Misspellings
- Vinial
- Venal
- Vin*l