nepotism
NEP-uh-tiz-um
/ˈnɛpətɪzəm/
The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
Nepotism specifically involves family; 'cronyism' involves friends or political allies.
The story behind the word. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, some Popes who had taken vows of chastity (and thus officially had no children) would give high-ranking church positions to their 'nephews.' Often, these 'nephews' were actually their own illegitimate sons.
Word relationships
- favoritism: Favoritism is the broad category; nepotism is the specific type involving family.
- meritocracy: A system in which promotion is based on individual ability or achievement.
Commonly confused with
- cronyism: Nepotism is for family; cronyism is for friends/associates.
Word family
- nepotistic (adjective): Characterized by or inclined to nepotism.
Collocations
- blatant nepotism
- accusations of nepotism
- corporate nepotism
Example sentences
- "The CEO was accused of nepotism after appointing his inexperienced daughter as the Vice President." Business News
- "Nepotism is the lowest form of corruption, for it bypasses merit in favor of blood." History
Memory hook
Nepotism = 'Nephew-ism'. Favoring your nephew for the job. The boss's son getting the promotion.
When not to use
Don't use it for general unfairness; it must involve the favoring of kin.
Fun facts
- The word 'nephew' itself comes from the Latin 'nepos', which also gave us the word 'nepotism'.
Related words
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