Words / B1

BRYB-uh-ree/ˈbraɪbəri/

Bribery is the crime of giving or taking bribes (uncountable): bribery and corruption; a bribery charge. Bribe is the noun/verb for the payment (already in the dictionary). Corruption is wider. Do not write “a bribery” for one payment — that is a bribe. UK law: the Bribery Act is a common news reference.

Meaning

The crime of giving or taking a bribe (uncountable).

Examples

• “The inquiry found evidence of bribery in the contract process.”
• “The inquiry found bribery in the awarding of contracts.”
• “Staff must complete anti-bribery training before they deal with suppliers.”

Good to know

Uncountable: bribery; bribery and corruption. One payment: a bribe. Verb: bribe. Wider: corruption. Not “a bribery”.

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