Definition of nepotism
: favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship accused the company of fostering nepotism in promotions
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Examples of nepotism in a Sentence
Nepotism has hurt the company.
Did You Know?
During his papacy from 1471-1484, Sixtus IV granted many special favors to members of his family, in particular his nephews. This practice of papal favoritism was carried on by his successors, and in 1667 it was the subject of Gregorio Leti's book Il Nepotismo di Roma-titled in the English translation, The History of the Popes' Nephews. Shortly after the book's appearance, nepotism began to be used in English for the showing of special favor or unfair preference to any relative by someone in any position of power, be it ecclesiastical or not. (The "nep-" spelling is from nepote, a 17th-century variant of Italian nipote, meaning "nephew.")
Origin and Etymology of nepotism
French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from nepote nephew, from Latin nepot-, nepos grandson, nephew — more at nephew
First Known Use: 1670
Other Government and Politics Terms
NEPOTISM Defined for English Language Learners
nepotism
playDefinition of nepotism for English Language Learners
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: the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives
Learn More about nepotism
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See words that rhyme with nepotism Spanish Central: Translation of nepotism Nglish: Translation of nepotism for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nepotism
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