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Venal: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Venal adjective. Willing to take bribes or act dishonestly for money.
How to say it
VEE-nul/ˈviːn(ə)l/
2 syllables, stressed on the first (VEE).
Venal in a sentence
A venal official waved the lorries through for a fee.
The film shows a venal police force that answers to the highest bidder.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- corrupt
- bribable
- mercenary
- crooked
Opposite:
- incorruptible
- honest
Usage note
Venal means corrupt and for sale; venial means minor and forgivable. A venal judge takes bribes; a venial sin is a small one.
Don’t confuse with venial
venial (adjective): Minor and easily forgiven.
Where venal comes from
From Latin venalis, for sale.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The film shows a _____ police force that answers to the highest bidder.
- discreet
- adverse
- venal
Show the answer
venal: The film shows a venal police force that answers to the highest bidder.