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JadziaDax · 08-22-2003, 05:12 AM

The Word of the Day for August 22 is:

venal • \VEE-nuhl\ • (adjective) 1. capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration; especially open to corrupt influence and especially bribery; 2. originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery

A little more information about today’s word:
If you are given the choice between acts that are "venal" and those that are "venial," go for the venial. Although the two words look and sound alike, they have very different meanings and histories. "Venal" demonstrates the adage that anything can be had if the price is high enough and the morals are low enough. That word originated with the Latin "venum," which simply referred to something that was sold or for sale. Some of those transactions must have been rather shady, because by the mid-1600s, "venal" had gained the sense of corruption it carries today. "Venial" sins, on the other hand, are pardonable, the kind that prove everyone makes mistakes sometimes. That forgiving term descends from "venia," Latin for "favor," "indulgence," or "pardon."

My sentence (using definition #1):
"Corruption is a two-sided deal involving both venal officials and corrupt bribepayers. . . ."
-- Susan Rose-Ackerman, The Journal of Banking and Finance, September 2002

Based on Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 10th Edition.

Next sentence?

08-22-2003, 05:12 AM	#134 (permalink)
JadziaDax Loser Location: who the fuck cares?	Word of the day August 22 The Word of the Day for August 22 is: venal • \VEE-nuhl\ • (adjective) 1. capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration; especially open to corrupt influence and especially bribery; 2. originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery A little more information about today’s word: If you are given the choice between acts that are "venal" and those that are "venial," go for the venial. Although the two words look and sound alike, they have very different meanings and histories. "Venal" demonstrates the adage that anything can be had if the price is high enough and the morals are low enough. That word originated with the Latin "venum," which simply referred to something that was sold or for sale. Some of those transactions must have been rather shady, because by the mid-1600s, "venal" had gained the sense of corruption it carries today. "Venial" sins, on the other hand, are pardonable, the kind that prove everyone makes mistakes sometimes. That forgiving term descends from "venia," Latin for "favor," "indulgence," or "pardon." My sentence (using definition #1): "Corruption is a two-sided deal involving both venal officials and corrupt bribepayers. . . ." -- Susan Rose-Ackerman, The Journal of Banking and Finance, September 2002 Based on Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 10th Edition. Next sentence?