World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariescomplice
Pronunciation / Transliteration: kɔ̃.plis
"Il a favorisé ses complices dans l'attribution des marchés publics."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A close friend or companion, especially a longtime associate who is viewed with disapproval or distrust.
"The corrupt official appointed his loyal cronies to high-ranking government positions." - 2
An associate or accomplice, particularly one involved in shady or unethical business dealings.
"He ran the corporation with a tight circle of cronies who helped him conceal the financial fraud."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the mid-17th century at the University of Cambridge, the word likely derives from the Greek word chronios, meaning 'long-lasting' or 'permanent'. Initially university slang for a long-time chum or intimate companion, its connotation shifted over time to frequently imply a close friend or companion of a powerful person, often in a derogatory context involving favoritism.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Crony"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Crony" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
complice
Transliteration: kɔ̃.plis
"Il a favorisé ses complices dans l'attribution des marchés publics."
Kumpan
Transliteration: kʊmˈpaːn
"Der Politiker umgab sich nur mit treuen Kumpanen."
compari
Transliteration: komˈpaː.ri
Script: compare
"Il sindaco e i suoi compari sono stati indagati per corruzione."
esbirro
Transliteration: ezˈbi.ro
"El dictador gobernaba rodeado de sus fieles esbirros."
comparsa
Transliteration: kõˈpaɾ.sɐ
"Ele e seus comparsas desviaram verbas públicas."
चापलू
Transliteration: chamcha
Script: चापलूस
"नेताजी अपने चापलूस सहयोगियों से घिरे रहते हैं।"
心腹
Transliteration: xīnfù
"市长把许多心腹安插在关键部门。"
측근
Transliteration: cheuk-geun
"대통령은 자신의 측근들을 요직에 임명했다."
手下
Transliteration: teshita
"彼は自分の手下を使って会社を支配した。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all French termsTo think carefully about something, typically before making a decision.
A formal, documented account of findings, investigations, or statistics issued by an authoritative body or government agency.
Used to express pleasure, realization, surprise, or understanding.
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