venal
VEE-nuhl
/ˈviː.nəl/
Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; open to corrupt influence.
Describes a character trait or system that is capable of being bought; corruptible.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'venalis' (for sale), from 'venum' (saleable object). In ancient Rome, it described goods brought to market; by late Latin, it was applied derogatorily to judges or politicians who put their honour up for sale.
Word relationships
- corruptible: Corruptible means able to be corrupted; venal emphasizes being directly buyable through money.
- mercenary: Mercenary describes working purely for financial reward, while venal specifically implies dishonesty or susceptibility to bribery.
- incorruptible: Incapable of being bribed or corrupted.
- upright: Strictly honorable and morally principled.
Commonly confused with
- venial: Venal means corrupt/buyable; venial means minor or forgivable.
Word family
- venality (noun): The quality of being open to bribery or corruption.
Collocations
- venal official
- venal motive
- venal practice
- venal politician
Idioms & expressions
- having a price tag
Example sentences
- "The venal politician was notorious for changing his vote on environmental regulations whenever lobbyists offered campaign funding." Political Critique
- "Citizens grew disillusioned with the venal judges who openly put court decisions up for sale to the highest bidder." Historical Context
Memory hook
VENAL sounds like VENDOR—a corrupt official who acts like a vendor, selling their vote. Putting one's ethics up for sale.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'venial' (which means pardonable or minor, as in a 'venial sin').
Fun facts
- The small one-letter difference between 'venal' (corrupt) and 'venial' (pardonable) is one of the most famous traps on the GRE.
Related words
Explore more words
bribery, covetous, incorruptible, servile, perfidy, obsequious
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