First Known Use: 1652
Dictionary
venal
adjective ve·nal \ˈvē-nəl\
: willing to do dishonest things in return for money
Full Definition of VENAL
1
: capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration : purchasable; especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : mercenary <a venal legislator>
2
: originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery <a venal arrangement with the police>
— ve·nal·i·ty \vi-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun
— ve·nal·ly \ˈvē-nəl-ē\ adverb
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Origin of VENAL
Latin venalis, from venum (accusative) sale; akin to Greek ōneisthai to buy, Sanskrit vasna price
Related to VENAL
- Synonyms
- bribable, corruptible, dirty, purchasable
- Antonyms
- incorruptible
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