Venal

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1 1.2.1 Adjective 1.3 Etymology 2 1.3.1 Adjective 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Antonyms 1.3.4 Related words

English

Pronunciation

IPA: /'vi:nəl/

Etymology 1

From vena.

Adjective

Positive venal

Comparative more venal

Superlative most venal

1. venous; pertaining to veins

Etymology 2

Latin venalis, from venum ‘something for sale’.

Adjective

Positive venal

Comparative more venal

Superlative most venal

1. (of an object or position) for sale, available for a price
2. (of a person) willing to take bribes
3. (of behaviour etc.) corrupt, mercenary

   • 1785: Though there is a disposition in mankind, to declaim against the corruption and peculation of the present times, as being more venal than formerly; yet, if we look back to different periods, we shall find statesmen and politicians, as selfish and corrupt, (...) as those who have lately figured on the political stage. — The Times, 9 Feb 1785, p.1 col. C

Synonyms

• corrupt
• crooked
• dishonest
• dishonorable
• treacherous
• unethical
• unfaithful
• unscrupulous
• untrustworthy

Antonyms

• ethical
• honest
• honorable
• moral
• scrupulous
• trustworthy
• uncorrupt

Related words

• venally

fr:venal zh:venal