VocabDictionary

vetting

/ˈvɛtɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The process of making a careful and critical examination of someone's background, credentials, or activities, especially to ensure suitability for a sensitive position or task.

Example Sentences:
  • The candidate's background vetting took several weeks before security clearance was finally granted.
  • Rigorous vetting of all new financial partners is essential to prevent fraud.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “vetting”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'vet', which originated in British slang around the mid-19th century as an abbreviation of 'veterinary surgeon' (from the Latin 'veterinus', meaning 'pertaining to beasts of burden'). Originally used by horse racing officials to mean the medical examination of a horse before a race to ensure fitness and honesty, the term gradually expanded into general usage by the 20th century to mean the careful appraisal or evaluation of any person, background, or proposal.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a *vet* examining an animal thoroughly to ensure it is healthy; *vetting* is doing the exact same deep-check on a person or document.

Frequently Asked Questions About “vetting

1. What is the meaning of “vetting” in English?

In English, vetting (noun) is defined as: “The process of making a careful and critical examination of someone's background, credentials, or activities, especially to ensure suitability for a sensitive position or task.”.

2. How do you use “vetting” in a sentence?

The candidate's background vetting took several weeks before security clearance was finally granted.

3. What are English synonyms of “vetting”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “vetting”?

Derived from the verb 'vet', which originated in British slang around the mid-19th century as an abbreviation of 'veterinary surgeon' (from the Latin 'veterinus', meaning 'pertaining to beasts of burden'). Originally used by horse racing officials to mean the medical examination of a horse before a race to ensure fitness and honesty, the term gradually expanded into general usage by the 20th century to mean the careful appraisal or evaluation of any person, background, or proposal.