Selfish vs Venal - What's the difference?
selfish | venal | Related terms |
Holding one’s self-interest as the standard for decision making.
* 1997 , John Peniel, The Children Of The Law Of One & The Lost Teachings Of Atlantis , chapter 10, page 127
Having regard for oneself above others’ well-being.
*{{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)
, chapter=5, title= (archaic) For sale; available for purchase.
Of a position, privilege etc.: available for purchase rather than assigned on merit.
* 2002 , , The Great Nation , Penguin 2003, p. 140:
Capable of being bought (of a person); willing to take bribes.
Corrupt, mercenary.
* 1785 , The Times , 9 Feb 1785, page 1, column C:
Selfish is a related term of venal.
As adjectives the difference between selfish and venal
is that selfish is holding one’s self-interest as the standard for decision making while venal is available for a price; venal.selfish
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- “We all have both a selfish separate self, and an Inner Being that is One with the Universal Spirit. In this sense, every human has a sort of ‘split personality’. We are all kind of what you call ‘schitzy’ with these two sides, these two people living within us. And they are in total opposition. The free will dictates which of these two sides will have its way in our life, at every given moment.”
A Cuckoo in the Nest, passage=The most rapid and most seductive transition in all human nature is that which attends the palliation of a ravenous appetite.
Usage notes
* Said of people, motives, desires, acts, etc.Synonyms
* egoistic * egotistic * egotistical * self-centered * greedyAntonyms
* altruistic * philanthropic * selfless * unselfishDerived terms
* selfishly * selfishnessSee also
* self-servingAnagrams
*venal
English
Etymology 1
From (etyl)Etymology 2
From (etyl) , compare vendAdjective
(en adjective)- Thus, regimental commands in the army were – as with the judiciary or the financial bureaucracy – venal posts, which were purchased, bequeathed and sold among the nobility.
- Though there is a disposition in mankind, to declaim against the corruption and peculation of the present times, as being more venal than formerly; yet, if we look back to different periods, we shall find statesmen and politicians, as selfish and corrupt, (...) as those who have lately figured on the political stage.