the act of dishonestly using power for personal gain
example
The investigation revealed widespread **corruption** within the government, leading to several arrests.
synonyms
briberyfraudmalpractice
word origin — The word 'corruption' comes from the Latin 'corruptio', which means 'to break' or 'to ruin', derived from 'corrumpere', meaning 'to break together'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 90
Set 90 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: corruption, patience, disciple, departure, covenant. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
corruption · noun/kəˈrʌpʃən/
the act of dishonestly using power for personal gain
The investigation revealed widespread **corruption** within the government, leading to several arrests.
Synonyms: bribery, fraud, malpractice
Origin: The word 'corruption' comes from the Latin 'corruptio', which means 'to break' or 'to ruin', derived from 'corrumpere', meaning 'to break together'.
patience · noun/ˈpeɪ.ʃənts/
the ability to wait calmly for something without getting annoyed
Her patience was tested when the delivery was significantly delayed, but she remained calm throughout the wait.
Synonyms: tolerance, forbearance, composure
Origin: Middle English pacience, from Old French, from Latin patientia, from patiens (present participle of pati) meaning 'to suffer'
disciple · noun/dɪˈsaɪ.pəl/
a person who follows the teachings of another, especially a leader or religious figure
As a devoted disciple of the spiritual leader, she dedicated her life to spreading his teachings.
Synonyms: apprentice, follower, student
Origin: From Old French 'disciple', from Latin 'discipulus', meaning 'student, learner' or 'follower', from 'discere' meaning 'to learn'.
departure · noun/dɪˈpɑr.tʃər/
the act of leaving or going away from a place
The sudden departure of the CEO left many employees feeling uncertain about the company's future.
Synonyms: exit, leave, disembarkation
Origin: from Middle English, derived from Old French 'departir' meaning to leave, derived from Latin 'departire' meaning to part or divide.
covenant · noun/ˈkʌvənənt/
a formal agreement or promise between two or more parties
The two nations entered into a historic covenant to promote peace and cooperation in the region.
Synonyms: pact, contract, agreement
Origin: from Middle English, from Old French 'covenant' (noun) and 'covenir' (verb) meaning 'to convene', from Latin 'convenire' meaning 'to come together'.