nepotism
UK[ˈnep.ə.tɪ.zəm]US[ˈnep.ə.tɪ.zəm]
n
The practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
Morpheme Breakdown
nepot
ism
nepot
nephew
ism
practice or system
Etymology
The word 'nepotism' has a direct and illustrative lineage from Latin. Its core, nepōs (meaning grandson or nephew), evolved in Medieval Latin into nepotismus, specifically describing the practice of popes and other high-ranking clergy bestowing favors upon their "nephews"—a euphemism often used for their illegitimate sons. The suffix -ism, denoting a distinctive practice or system, was attached to form an abstract noun. Thus, the literal "practice concerning nephews" transformed into the modern abstract concept of favoritism based on family relationship, capturing the historical logic of patronage within powerful institutions.
Analysis
Structure: nepot (nephew) + ism (practice or system)
- nepot: From Latin nepōs (grandson, nephew, descendant). In this word, it functions as the core root specifying the favored relative.
- ism: From Greek -ismos, via Latin -ismus, a suffix forming nouns of action, practice, or system. It functions as a nominalizer indicating a practice or doctrine.
Examples
The company was accused of nepotism after the CEO's son was promoted over more qualified candidates.
To ensure fairness, the new policy strictly prohibits any form of nepotism in the hiring process.
Political nepotism, where leadership positions are passed down within a family, can undermine democratic principles.