nepotism

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Antonyms 1.3.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Italian nepotismo < Latin nepōs (“‘nephew’”), a reference to the practice of popes appointing relatives (most often nephews) as cardinals during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP, US) IPA: /ˈnɛp.ə.tɪ.zəm/, SAMPA: /"nEp.@.tI.z@m/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

nepotism (uncountable)

1. The favoring of relatives or personal friends because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.

   Nepotism can get you very far in the world if you've got the right connections.

   • 2006 Financial Times

     Mr Chen - a member of the national politburo as well as the Shanghai boss - is accused of nepotism and corruption on a grand scale: protecting political allies, granting preferment to his family and looting Shanghai's pension fund.

[edit] Antonyms

• meritocracy
• merit system

[edit] Translations