venal
Say it: VEE-nul /ˈviːn(ə)l/ · adjective
What “venal” means
Willing to be paid to do something dishonest.
More precisely: Willing to be bribed; acting for money rather than principle.
When to use it
A formal, disapproving word for officials or other trusted people who accept bribes instead of acting honestly.
Memory trick
Latin venalis means for sale: imagine someone's honesty being offered to the highest bidder.
Similar words
corrupt, bribable, mercenary
Where it comes from
From Latin venalis, 'for sale', from venum 'thing for sale'.
Quick check
A sports referee secretly accepts cash to favour one team, despite knowing the rules. What kind of referee is this?
impartial or venal?
Show the answer
venal
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