nepotism
NEP-uh-tiz-um
/ˈnɛpətɪzəm/
The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
Specifically refers to family (nephew/kin), though it is often used broadly for any unfair favoritism.
The story behind the word. In the Middle Ages, some Popes who had taken vows of chastity (and thus had no legal children) would give high-ranking church positions to their 'nephews.' Often, these 'nephews' were actually their own illegitimate sons.
Word relationships
- cronyism: Cronyism is favoring friends; nepotism is specifically favoring family.
- impartiality: Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fairness.
Commonly confused with
- favoritism: Favoritism is the broad category; nepotism is the specific sub-type involving family.
Word family
- nepotistic (adjective): Characterized by nepotism.
Collocations
- blatant nepotism
- accusations of nepotism
- cronyism and nepotism
Example sentences
- "The promotion of the owner's son was seen as a blatant act of nepotism by the rest of the staff." Business ethics.
- "The president was accused of nepotism after appointing his brother-in-law as a senior advisor." Political scandal.
Memory hook
Nepotism sounds like 'Nephew-ism'. It's all about helping your nephew (or son) get the job. Nephew-favoritism.
When not to use
Don't use it if someone hires a friend based on genuine skill; it implies the connection was the primary reason.
Fun facts
- The word 'nephew' itself comes from the Latin 'nepos,' which is also the root of 'nepotism.'
Related words
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